Chappell Roan @ O2 Academy, Glasgow, 15 Sep

Fans with tickets to tonight’s sold-out show have queued down Glasgow’s streets for hours before doors open. Meanwhile, crowds of hopeful fans without tickets are gathered near the O2 Academy’s entrance, holding signs in hope of a last-minute stroke of luck. (They were later rewarded for their determination).

This time last year, Chappell Roan was an emerging cult icon. In a few days she would be set to release her debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and announcing her first overseas tour dates. Now, following a summer of critical acclaim and sold-out shows across the world, she arrives in Glasgow from the MTV Music Video Awards where she was awarded Best New Artist. Duly dedicated by Roan to the queer and trans community “that fuel pop” – and fittingly, tonight’s opening act showcases some of Glasgow’s immense local drag talent.

Flanked by her skilful band, the Midwest Princess arrives on-stage adorning a prom-style dress and black Docs, diving into some of her most high energy tracks from the jump. The catchy call and response of Femininomenon ('A what? / A femininomenon!') hardly needs her prompting, the packed crowd shouting it back. Standout gems include HOT TO GO! which sees the packed auditorium awash in a sea of arms outstretched as we replicate the signature dance, with other fan favourites including Good Luck, Babe! and My Kink is Karma (which Roan dedicates to “not my ex, but yours”) similarly received with open arms.

Image: Chappell Roan @ O2 Academy Glasgow, 15 Sep by Marilena Vlachopoulou

Roan strides across the stage throughout tonight with captivating presence, holding us rapt in the palm of her hand. Her band keep the energy flowing between tracks with extended intros, and at one point, Roan serenades the mic stand adorned with a blonde wig – it’s alluringly fun. At times the tempo slows but the momentum keeps pace. Stripped back to corset and fishnets, slow jams from Casual to Guilty Pleasure feature (Roan remarking on the latter that European crowds have particularly warmed to it). With room to breathe, her impressive vocal prowess stands out.

Early on in tonight’s set, the crowd bursts into a unanimous chant of “Chappell, Chappell, Chappell fucking Roan”, leaving Roan at first seemingly mildly bemused, then visibly touched, remarking that the unique chant is a first for her. Later, pausing to speak to the crowd momentarily in between songs, she tells us she needed a space like this growing up, and she’s grateful to have it now. 'I’m gonna keep on dancing', Roan sings to anthemic electric guitar on closer Pink Pony Club. The track touches on the liberation of embodying your most authentic self in queer spaces, and it’s a moment of sincere, queer pop joy – one that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of tonight.