Chappell Roan turned the VMAs into a cutscene from Elden Ring

Your favorite artist’s favorite artist, Chappell Roan, recently came under fire for canceling tour dates to rehearse for the 2024 Video Music Awards, which took place on Sept. 11 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Fans were rightfully disappointed, but after seeing the “Hot to Go” singer come onstage in full armor and set the set on fire with a crossbow? Girl, cancel all the shows you have to.

Roan’s medieval fantasy-themed performance was an inspired choice, paying homage to French historical figure Joan of Arc and probably legendary singer/songwriter Kate Bush. From the arson to the dancers in full armor, Roan and her crew did their job. The mic was on, the singing was top notch, and the sword fighting choreography was incredible to watch against a fiery backdrop.

Fans were shocked, but seeing Roan in armor and with a bow and sword in hand naturally invites comparisons to various fantasy games like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate, and Dragon Age. Outside of video games, many Dungeons & Dragons fans compared her to classes like the Paladin, and artists immediately grabbed their pens to draw Roan’s fantasy persona in their own style. Roan clearly wanted to find a theme for the event, because she also wore a Joan of Arc-inspired outfit on the red carpet, complete with armored cuffs and a sword in hand. Anyone who has ever been a fan of a fantasy game, TV show, book, or movie has had a joke in mind or a work of art in their heart. Here are some of the best reactions to Chappell Roan’s performance at the VMAs.

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