‘Fortnite Festival’ Sets Chappell Roan as Season 13 Icon

Epic Games revealed on Tuesday that Chappell Roan, the acclaimed pop artist and Grammy winner, will be the next featured "Icon" for the "Fortnite Festival." Her headlining season, Season 13, is scheduled to launch on February 5. This collaboration marks a significant moment for the game's music-focused mode, continuing its trend of spotlighting major artists. Industry analysts note that these virtual concerts have become crucial for artist promotion, blending entertainment with interactive fan engagement in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The singer, whose breakout hit "Good Luck, Babe!" dominated charts in 2024, is an avid fan of the game herself. In a past interview, she famously pleaded, "Please give me a skin, please," a wish that has now been granted. Players will have the chance to step into Roan's bold, theatrical persona, which merges burlesque, fairytale, and midwestern aesthetics. Her signature style will be available through in-game outfits like the Roan of Arc and Chappell Roan skins.

Additional cosmetic items inspired by her artistic vision can be unlocked via the Season 13 Heartcore Music Pass or a Fortnite Crew subscription. This collection includes the Pink Pony Star Back Bling, the Midwest Princess Keytar, the Subway Serenader Mic, and the Drumset Supernova. For those making direct purchases, the in-game shop will also offer emotes such as "Pinky Pony Club" and "Femininomenon."

The "Fortnite Festival" Main Stage itself will receive a thematic overhaul, drawing inspiration from the medieval castle design of Roan's recent "Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things" tour. Furthermore, her popular tracks, including "Pink Pony Club," "Good Luck, Babe!," "HOT TO GO!," and "The Giver," will be added to the shop as playable Jam Tracks. This follows the precedent set by previous Icon seasons, which have consistently integrated an artist's music and visual identity into the game world.

Roan succeeds a notable lineup of past "Fortnite Festival" headliners. The immediate predecessor for Season 12 was LISA, the renowned K-pop singer and BLACKPINK member, whose season introduced tracks like "Rockstar." Season 11 focused on original "Fortnite" music, while the virtual band Gorillaz headlined Season 10. The festival's history features a diverse roster of musical icons, including Bruno Mars (Season 9), Sabrina Carpenter (Season 8), the virtual pop star Hatsune Miku (Season 7), and legends like Metallica and Snoop Dogg from earlier seasons.