On August 29, 2025, Chappell Roan, the 27-year-old singer known for “Pink Pony Club,” introduced a unique backstage petting zoo at the Summer Sessions in Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre. Designed to calm performers’ nerves, the zoo featured a pony, two Highland cattle, four Labrador puppies, and two goats. This creative gesture, shared by supporting drag queen Shego Sinner on Instagram, highlights Roan’s innovative approach to supporting her team during her two-night performance.
Chappell Roan set up the petting zoo in a backstage hangar for her supporting artists, including drag queens Shego Sinner (Lewis Kelly), Eve Devine, Blaze, and former Little Mix singer Jade. Shego described the setup as “insane” and “random,” noting its calming effect. The animals were moved before performances to avoid noise disruption. Shego shared, “They were so sweet, and we loved seeing them.” Another performer, Latex, held a puppy, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Chappell Roan sets up her own backstage petting zoo to 'calm peoples' nerves' as she performs at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre https://t.co/iFvjK5MbW1
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) August 29, 2025Roan performed to a crowd of 30,000–40,000, a huge leap from Shego’s usual 110-capacity Corset Club gigs. Despite initial nerves about the high stage, Shego said, “My nerves vanished when I hit the stage, and the audience sang along.” Meeting Roan at 5:45 PM before their 6:00 PM set, Shego noted her shy yet warm demeanour, as she knew each performer’s name. A custom outfit, designed by Gillian King in 48 hours, boosted Shego’s confidence in front of a massive audience.
Chappell Roan’s Career Context
Known for her drag-inspired aesthetic and feminist lyrics, Roan, who identifies as a lesbian, has soared in popularity, with 1.2 billion Spotify streams in 2024, per Billboard. Her Summer Sessions performance follows a controversial Call Her Daddy podcast interview in early 2025, where she claimed, “I don’t know anyone who’s happy and has children at this age.” This sparked a heated online debate, with some mothers criticising her remarks, while others agreed, citing parenting challenges.
The petting zoo reflects Roan’s care for her team’s well-being, creating a supportive environment before a high-pressure show. This unique rider drew social media attention, with #ChappellRoan trending on Instagram. It also sets a precedent for artists prioritising mental health during major events, enhancing Roan’s reputation for authenticity.
Roan’s initiative underscores her ability to blend creativity with empathy, resonating with fans and performers. As she navigates fame, her actions—from the petting zoo to candid interviews—fuel discussion about artistry and personal values. The zoo could inspire other musicians to adopt similar measures for team morale.
