The first night of Chappell Roan’s “Super Graphic Spectacular” benefit concert went down at the Shrine in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 21st; During Roan’s headlining set, she was joined by Christina Aguilera, who first performed a solo rendition of “Beautiful” before linking with Roan for a performance of “Coffee.”
Roan began by introducing Aguilera as a surprise guest: “ There’s just a little surprise happening,” Roan said. “I want to introduce this person — she paved the way for me and all women in pop to do whatever the fuck they want and sing and wear whatever the fuck they want. And she definitely walks so I can fucking run, and I’m so grateful to have her. She’s a fucking legend. Love you. And thank you so much for giving your time. We love you. May I introduce the beautiful Christina Aguilera.”
Aguilera then took the stage. “From the moment I heard Chappell’s voice, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with, and I became an immediate fan,” she said, “I find that no matter where you are, different times of your lives, everybody can kind of relate to feeling a little insecure, a little lost, a little lonely. But you can never let anybody bring you down,” Aguilera told the crowd before launching into a powerful, piano-led performance of “Beautiful” as Roan sat and watched.
After “Beautiful,” the two divas joined forces for a lovely, heartfelt rendition of “Coffee,” a ballad that appears on Roan’s 2023 debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess. Roan took the first verse, immediately displaying giddy nervousness as she stood next to Aguilera but quickly pulling it together; Aguilera took the second verse, which highlighted her smoky alto and soulful approach. They met in the bridge and final chorus in harmony, and when they finished, Aguilera told a bashful Roan that she “loves this song.” Watch fan-captured clips of Roan and Aguilera’s performance, as well as Roan’s speech and Aguilera’s rendition of “Beautiful,” below.
Wednesday evening’s show also featured sets from Tinashe, Lola Young, and others. The second night of Roan’s “Super Graphic Spectacular” takes place tonight, October 22nd, with performances from Caroline Polachek, MUNA, and an additional set from Roan. All proceeds for the event will support trans youth and LGBTQ+ organizations through Roan’s The Midwest Princess Project.
