Chappell Roan Surprises Audience with Thrilling Cover of Heart's 'Barracuda'

Mar. 15, 2025

Chappell Roan, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart.Photo:Richard Isaac/Shutterstock; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Richard Isaac/Shutterstock; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

There’s nothing “Casual” aboutChappell Roan’s latest on-stage surprise!

The track came halfway through the 26-year-old pop star’s performance, in-between tracks “Picture You” and “Hot to Go,” perSetlist.fm. And while the song was unexpected, it appears Roan’s “Barracuda” performance was met with plenty of cheers, according to somefan-recorded footageof the song.

During the set, Roan wore a red leotard as her stage lit up in reds and yellows. She sang through the entire track with some instrumental assistance from her touring band, who held things down at one point with a brief guitar solo.

Chappell Roan performs at FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, Tenn. on Oct. 1, 2024.Jason Kempin/Getty

Jason Kempin/Getty

While the “Barracuda” cover appears to be a fresh addition to the live show, Roan is no stranger to covering the classics. She’s previously released covers of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Elton John’s “Your Song” and 4 Non Blondes' “What’s Up?” to her official YouTube channel in 2020.

Back in June, Carpenter unleashed her rendition of Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” forBBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. Two months later, Roan toldRolling Stonein a cover story that her fellow pop star has been supporting her during her journey. “We’re both going through something so f—ing hard,” Roan told the outlet. “[Carpenter] just feels like everything is flying, and she’s just barely hanging on.”

“It was just good to know someone else feels that way,” she added.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Chappell Roan in May 2024.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Roan has quickly become a charting mainstay this year following the release of her albumThe Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princessin September 2023, as well as some major festival performances over the summer. In late September, the singer-songwriterpulled outof two performances (All Things Go music festival in New York City and a gig in Columbia, Md.) as she cited a need to tend to her mental health.

“I apologize to people who have been waiting to see me in NYC & DC this weekend at All Things Go, but I am unable to perform. Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” Roan wrote in her Instagram Stories at the time. “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health. I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding. Be back soon xox.”

Roan has since performed in Tennessee, Arkansas and Iowa — with her next performance set for Austin City Limits on Sunday, Oct. 6.

source: people.com