Chappell Roan crashes Charli xcx’s Primavera set with surprise “Apple” dance cameo

Charli xcx had the crowd in a frenzy during her Brat-era set at Primavera Sound Barcelona — and not just because of the music. Midway through her high-octane 31-song performance on June 5, festival-goers were treated to an unexpected guest appearance from Chappell Roan.

The rising alt-pop star joined in from a balcony to perform the viral “Apple” dance that’s become a staple of Charli’s live shows.

Clad in a chopped-up sweatshirt over a black top and gray skirt, Roan leaned fully into the moment. She lip-synced along to the lyrics—

“I think the apple’s rotten right to the core / From all the things passed down/ From all the apples coming before.”

—all while serving the choreography’s now-signature hand jive and oversized bug-eye glasses.

Her cameo was broadcast on massive side screens at Parc del Fòrum, prompting cheers from the massive crowd. Charli, clearly thrilled, paused to shout:

“Make some f**king noise right now! Chappell I f**kin’ love you b**ch!”

As the Red Wine Supernova songstress danced and hammed it up for the camera, fans on the ground danced along, making the moment feel part performance and part communal celebration.

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The Apple dance: Origin and viral rise

The Apple dance has become a beloved tradition at Charli’s shows, with a rotating cast of surprise guests joining in.

Chappell Roan joins a long and eclectic list of celebs who’ve embraced the viral choreography, including BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Clairo, Dave Grohl and daughter Harper, Stephen Colbert, Ashley Tisdale, Cara Delevingne, Kerry Washington, Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Joe Jonas, and Jessica Alba.

TikTok influencer Kelley Heyer originally choreographed the dance, which has since taken on a life of its own across Charli’s fanbase and beyond.

Roan’s appearance came just two days before her own scheduled headlining slot at Primavera Sound on Saturday, June 7.

She will share the stage that night with acts like Sabrina Carpenter, Beach House, Haim, Stereolab, Wet Leg, and TV on the Radio.

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Marina hints at ending long-standing feud with Charli xcx

Charli xcx’s Primavera performance and Roan’s cameo come shortly after Marina’s recent interview with Rolling Stone, where she suggested her years-long feud with Charli may be over.

Reflecting on their renewed connection, Marina said:

“I think these moments are important. It was sweet to see people respond to that. I love her work and it’s so inspiring to see what she did with ‘Brat.’ She just fully deserves it.”

The rift began in 2015 when Marina posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Charli’s photoshoot that resembled visuals from Marina’s single, Immortal, stating:

“Imagery is artistic property. Please respect your fellow artists.”

Charli then responded:

“You know what, sometimes you do a photoshoot standing in front of a plant, sometimes you do a photoshoot in black and white, sometimes you wear purple eyeshadow.”

She added:

“Sometimes you shoot with the same photographer a fellow artist has shot with. That’s just how things happen in the industry I work in.”

In June 2024, Marina revealed that Charli’s song Girl, so confusing, featuring Lorde, moved her to tears, hinting at a possible resolution to their falling out.