Chappell Roan does ‘Apple’ dance during Charli XCX Primavera set
Chappell Roan made a surprise cameo during Charli XCX’s Primavera Sound set. (Frazer Harrison and Andrew Toth/WireImage via Getty)
Chappell Roan sent Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona into a frenzy on Thursday night (5 June) after unexpectedly appearing in the crowd during Charli XCX’s headline set – and performing the now-iconic ‘Apple Dance’ live on the big screens.
The moment took place during Charli’s joint “Sweat” set with Troye Sivan, as part of their collaborative tour celebrating Charli’s Brat era and Sivan’s 30th birthday. Fans were left stunned when cameras cut to Roan mid-crowd, perfectly mimicking the choreography from Charli’s viral “Apple” music video.
Footage of the moment quickly circulated on social media, with many in the crowd cheering as they recognised the breakout queer pop star dancing with the crowd.
Charli XCX and Chappell Roan have both become icons of queer pop in their own right, celebrated for their bold aesthetics, unapologetic lyrics, and devoted LGBTQ+ fanbases.
Though Roan isn’t set to perform until Saturday night (7 June), her presence during Charli’s set underscored the sense of camaraderie among queer pop stars — a spontaneous moment of joy that resonated across the internet.
With acts like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, FKA Twigs and Troye Sivan, Primavera’s stages are pulsing with queer energy. The festival has embraced a gender-parity and pronoun‑aware line-up policy since 2019, consistently spotlighting LGBTQ+ artists and voices. Recent editions have featured Ethel Cain, 070 Shake, Hannah Diamond, Mistki, and heralds of queer-pop —creating a space for authenticity and belonging.
In recognition of its commitment to inclusivity, Primavera Sound is the first festival globally working toward the “Queer Destinations Committed” stamp, a programme ensuring LGBTQ+ visitors are welcomed and supported.
The festival is lauded for its educational initiatives, including full staff training and a signature policy known as “Nobody Is Normal” – a campaign detached from pain and difference-based discrimination. Primavera’s Nobody Is Normal programme sends a loud, simple message: queer identity is not abnormal—and neither is calling out discrimination. This initiative complements practical safety measures: two dedicated information points on-site offer discreet spaces where attendees can report incidents of gender‑based violence and access support from trained festival staff.
This infrastructure highlights Primavera’s commitment to not just showcasing LGBTQ+ talent, but also ensuring the well-being and dignity of every attendee – a powerful stance in today’s festival landscape.
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