Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Versailles’ Video Brings Royal Party to Los Angeles
Carly Rae Jepsen’s latest single ‘Versailles’ showcases a glamorous music video filmed in Los Angeles, inspired by Marie Antoinette and Sofia Coppola’s film. The track, part of her double album Day and Night, features Jepsen dancing in a stylized palace setting while exploring themes of celebration…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Carly Rae Jepsen has once again proven her knack for turning everyday pop into cinematic moments. Her newest single, “Versailles,” arrives as the lead track from her double album Day and Night, which officially dropped on September 18, 2026. The song and its accompanying video transport listeners to a glittering, imaginary party inside the famed French palace, blending 21st‑century pop sensibilities with a nod to historical grandeur.
From Inspiration to Production
The idea for “Versailles” germinated from Jepsen’s fascination with Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette. The film’s lush visuals and modern take on a royal life resonated with the singer, prompting her to write a track that captures the same sense of opulence and rebellion. Jepsen co‑wrote the song with Elias Kapari, Noonie Bao, and Markus Krunegård, while Kapari also handled production duties. The result is a breezy, synth‑driven pop anthem that balances bright hooks with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy.
In the lyrics, Jepsen sings, “I wanna party in Versailles / I wanna see it in the nighttime,” painting a picture of a night‑time soiree where the past and present collide. The refrain, “We’ll go all night just to feel something / And then we’ll lose our heads / For the people we’ve forgotten / Marie Antoinette but modern,” hints at both the historical figure’s tragic end and the contemporary desire for carefree celebration.
The Video: A Modern Royal Affair
The music video was shot in Los Angeles under the direction of Kanya Iwana, a filmmaker known for her vibrant visual storytelling. The setting is a stylized version of the Palace of Versailles, complete with gilded chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and a glittering ballroom. Jepsen is seen dancing among a crowd of partygoers, all dressed in a mix of 18th‑century-inspired couture and modern streetwear, creating a playful anachronism that mirrors the song’s lyrical themes.
The video’s visual palette leans heavily on gold, pastel pinks, and deep blues, echoing the opulent color schemes of both the actual palace and Coppola’s film. Lighting plays a crucial role, with dramatic shadows and soft glows that give the scene a dreamlike quality. Throughout the video, Jepsen’s choreography is energetic yet graceful, reflecting the duality of a royal ball and a contemporary club night.
Day and Night: A Dual‑Album Experiment
“Day and Night” marks Jepsen’s first full‑length release since 2023’s The Loveliest Time. The double LP comprises 24 tracks, divided evenly across two discs that explore contrasting moods: the bright, upbeat songs on the “Day” side and the more introspective, mellow tracks on the “Night” side. This concept aligns with the artist’s long‑standing interest in exploring dualities—whether in music, fashion, or personal expression.
Prior to the album’s release, Jepsen teased the project in a series of strategic moves. On June 1, she posted two separate 12‑hour instrumentals on her official website, each representing one side of the album. Later, on June 11, she began sharing postcard‑style images on social media, each accompanied by a lyric, location, and timestamp, further building anticipation among her fan base.
Upcoming Live Performances and Future Plans
Jepsen’s first live appearance of the year is scheduled for September 27, when she will perform a special sunset set at New York City’s All Things Go Festival. This performance will mark her return to the stage after a brief hiatus and is expected to feature several tracks from Day and Night, including “Versailles.” Fans can anticipate a visually stunning show that mirrors the album’s thematic focus on light and darkness.
Beyond the festival, Jepsen has hinted at a possible tour in early 2027, though details remain sparse. The artist has also teased a potential collaboration with a prominent fashion house, aligning with the album’s regal aesthetic. As she continues to push creative boundaries, Jepsen’s blend of pop music and cinematic storytelling remains a hallmark of her evolving artistry.
Why This Matters
“Versailles” showcases Jepsen’s continued ability to fuse pop music with rich visual narratives, reinforcing her status as a forward‑thinking pop icon. The project also highlights how contemporary artists can draw inspiration from historical and cinematic sources to create fresh, resonant works.
Key facts
- Lead single “Versailles” from double album <em>Day and Night</em>
- Inspired by Sofia Coppola’s film <em>Marie Antoinette</em>
- Video filmed in Los Angeles, directed by Kanya Iwana
- Song co‑written with Elias Kapari, Noonie Bao, Markus Krunegård
- First live performance of 2026 at All Things Go Festival
Why it matters
Carly Rae Jepsen’s fusion of pop with cinematic storytelling continues to push genre boundaries, offering fans a fresh take on nostalgic themes while reinforcing her position as a creative force in contemporary music.
Frequently asked questions
When was “Versailles” released?
September 18, 2026, as part of the double album <em>Day and Night</em>.
Who directed the music video?
Kanya Iwana.
What inspired the song’s concept?
Sofia Coppola’s film <em>Marie Antoinette</em> and the historical palace of Versailles.
Will there be a tour?
Jepsen has hinted at a potential tour in early 2027, but no official dates have been announced yet.
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Carly Rae Jepsen Wants to Party in 'Versailles' Music Video”
