Swedish pop powerhouse Agnes is back, and she’s churning out more than just music. With the release of her latest single “MILK,” the disco diva blends glam, grit, and glitter into a chant that’s equal parts camp and confidence. The result? A genre-bending anthem about turning life’s raw ingredients into your own personal masterpiece.
From Car Ride to Confidence Chant
It all started with a drive. Agnes found herself behind the wheel when inspiration struck in the form of a spontaneous mantra:
“I turn milk into butter and butter into money, and with the money honey I create the life that I like.”
The phrase became the beating heart of “MILK,” a track that started off punk and eventually morphed into something more dancefloor-ready. “My inspiration for the song was one of The Hives’ old songs,” Agnes explained. “I was playing with the idea, what if I was their sister? What would the song sound like then?”
The answer? A glittering disco banger with attitude, soul, and just a dash of rebellion. “At first the song had a much more punky feeling,” she said, “but it didn’t feel quite right. So we made it more disco in the production and then, there it was.”
A Soundtrack for Self-Expression
Agnes describes “MILK” as a declaration of individuality. It’s a love letter to your quirks, a high-five to your weirdness, and a reminder that confidence is your greatest currency.
“It’s about having the confidence in knowing who you are and what you want. Speaking your own truth,” she said. “Use that, be that, and create a life that supports that.”
That message comes wrapped in a retro-pop shimmer, but the heart of the song is all about authenticity and empowerment, a message that resonates deeply with her LGBTQ+ fans.
Agnes is no stranger to queer adoration. Her music has long served as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ listeners, and she doesn’t take that connection lightly.
“You make me wanna push myself creatively,” she said. “When it comes to my music and creating this world… I really do feel the love and the support, and it means the world to me.”
Her gratitude extends beyond the studio. With live shows on the horizon, Agnes says she’s ready to celebrate and dance with her fans in person: “You don’t understand how much I’m looking forward to playing live, meeting you, celebrating, singing and dancing together.”
The Dream Team Behind “MILK”
Agnes teamed up with some of Sweden’s best-known hitmakers for “MILK,” including Vincent Pontare (Madonna, Avicii), Hannah Wilson (Tove Lo, The Chainsmokers), Kerstin Ljungström, and Frans Bryngel (The Weeknd, Salvatore Ganacci). The result is a track that’s slick, spunky, and sonically rich—just like Agnes herself.
From “Release Me” to Reinvention
Agnes rose to global fame at just 16, and over two decades later, she continues to evolve. Her 2021 album Magic Still Exists earned four Swedish Grammy nominations, including a win for Composer of the Year. The album drew praise from The Guardian, Billboard, Pitchfork, and NME, cementing her place as a chameleonic artist who refuses to be boxed in.
With “MILK,” Agnes shows no signs of slowing down. It’s playful, it’s punkish, it’s disco-fabulous, and most of all, it’s unmistakably her.
Even though Pride Month has wrapped, Tinder and designer Willy Chavarria are keeping the celebration alive, and Madonna herself is taking note.
Pride Style That Pops
Tinder reunited with queer designer and activist Willy Chavarria for a special 2025 Pride capsule collection, serving bold looks and bold statements. The seasonal drop was inspired by the limited-edition sweatshirt that made its debut during Paris Men’s Fashion Week, a moment that married high fashion with unapologetic queer pride.
The capsule includes wardrobe staples with a punch, featuring oversized cuts, gender-fluid silhouettes, and graphic slogans that center self-expression and queer empowerment. The limited collection builds on last year’s collab but dials up the energy with streetwear that actually says something.
Love Is the Label
Beyond the clothing, Tinder also reignited its in-app Pride sticker campaign, those brightly colored badges that let users proudly showcase their identity and support within the app. This year, they introduced a new sticker that reads, How We Love Is Who We Are, a message that aligns perfectly with both Chavarria’s ethos and Tinder’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility.
During Pride Month, every time a U.S.-based user added a Pride sticker to their Tinder profile, the platform donated $1 to the Human Rights Campaign. It was a simple swipe-right on advocacy.
Madonna Makes It Official
Need further validation that this collab is iconic? Madonna gave it her seal of approval. The Queen of Pop included the collection in a recent Instagram carousel celebrating Pride Weekend, where she posted moments with her children, music, dance, and a subtle shout-out to the collab.
In her caption, Madonna wrote, “Pride Weekend allowed me to Have Fun and Celebrate my Love and support for the Queer Community as well as my Children and our Shared Love of Music and Dance.”
The cameo was brief but effective. With Madonna’s endorsement, the capsule joins the ranks of fashion moments that blend cultural relevance with genuine allyship.
Pride Doesn’t End in June
Tinder and Chavarria are reminding us that Pride is more than a month. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a mood you can absolutely wear on your sleeve.
So if you’re still riding the glittery high of Pride season, there’s no reason to come down just yet. Especially when Madonna’s dancing in the same sweatshirt.
Queer art has never been just about aesthetics, it’s protest, it’s love, it’s fury, and it’s legacy. Across decades and disciplines, queer creators have made bold statements through performance, music, visual art, and stage, often at great personal cost. These works not only transformed culture but also carved out space for LGBTQ+ people to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Below, we highlight some of the most potent and pivotal queer art performances, each one a milestone in a timeline of resistance, visibility, and unapologetic expression.
Punk, Prayer, and Prison: Pussy Riot’s Sacred Rebellion
When Russian punk collective Pussy Riot stormed Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012 for a guerrilla protest, it was over in minutes. But the global conversation it ignited lasted years. Their performance-turned-music-video “Punk Prayer – Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!” condemned both Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime and the Orthodox Church’s complicity.
Arrested and charged with “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred,” three members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, were thrown into a heavily publicized trial. The subsequent 2013 HBO documentary Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer spotlighted the absurdity of the state’s crackdown and became an instant rallying cry for artists, feminists, and LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide.
From Madonna to Amnesty International, support poured in. Yet in Russia, public opinion remained divided. As the band’s name surged across headlines, it served as a reminder: punk can still shake the church, and the state.
Sinéad O’Connor’s Tear Heard Around the World
Before #MeToo and well before the Catholic Church’s abuse scandals were widely acknowledged, Irish musician Sinéad O’Connor pulled no punches. On Saturday Night Live in 1992, she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II and declared, “Fight the real enemy.”
The backlash was swift and ruthless. From celebrities to religious groups, condemnation rained down. But O’Connor stood by her act, revealing that her protest was personal, she had been a victim of abuse, and the Church, she believed, enabled it.
Years later, after her 2023 passing, many revisited the moment with fresh eyes. Time even retroactively honored her as the most influential woman of 1992. Her protest wasn’t a publicity stunt, it was prophecy.
Art on the Edge: John S. Boskovich’s Electric Fan (Feel It Motherfuckers)
When artist John S. Boskovich lost his partner Stephen Earabino to AIDS, he also lost nearly every trace of their shared life. Earabino’s family cleared out their apartment, erasing their relationship, except for a single object: an electric fan.
Boskovich transformed that object into art. Encased in Plexiglas and marked with the phrase, “Only unclaimed item from the Stephen Earabino estate,” the piece slices through grief, rage, and queer erasure. With air flowing through holes in the glass, the fan still hums with life, a stark metaphor for memory that refuses to disappear.
Lipstick and Labor Strikes: The Cockettes’ Elevator Girls in Bondage
San Francisco’s glitter-drenched drag troupe The Cockettes brought psychedelic camp to new heights in the ‘70s. But their avant-garde film Elevator Girls in Bondage was more than a spectacle, it was satire with teeth.
Framed as a low-budget protest, the film tells the story of underpaid hotel elevator girls who go on strike. The result is a technicolor fever dream of anti-capitalist, pro-queer performance art.
From Hibiscus to Sylvester, The Cockettes birthed a generation of gender-fabulous icons. Their work continues to influence drag, theater, and the joyful chaos of queer resistance.
Photo: David Wise
Photo: David Wise
Kate Nash vs. TERF Island
British singer-songwriter Kate Nash doesn’t just sing about heartbreak, she takes aim at hate. In her track “GERM,” released in response to U.K. transphobic policies and rhetoric, Nash dismantles trans-exclusionary feminism with a blend of biting lyrics and bulletproof facts.
Originally drafted as an essay, the song became a musical manifesto against J.K. Rowling’s public crusade against trans rights. Nash isn’t subtle: she calls Rowling out by name and dubs her ideology “a load of bollocks.”
As far as feminist anthems go, “GERM” feels like a necessary cleanse for a movement long overdue for intersectional accountability.
Keith Haring’s Unfinished Painting: Silence and Survival
Few images capture the loss of a generation quite like Keith Haring’s Unfinished Painting. A white canvas, three-fourths blank, features just a flash of Haring’s iconic doodled figures in one corner. The rest is hauntingly untouched.
Created in 1989, the piece was among Haring’s last before his 1990 death from AIDS-related complications. The drips and smears that bleed from the finished section seem to mourn what could have been, had AIDS not stolen so many voices too soon.
In a time when lesbians were either jokes or tragedies on stage, playwright Jane Chambers did something radical: she wrote them as real people. Her 1980 play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove was the first American work to portray lesbian relationships with depth, humor, and humanity.
Set in a women-only beach retreat, the story explores love, grief, and friendship through a lens that was, at the time, unthinkably tender. Revived across decades, Chambers’ work remains a touchstone for queer theater and representation.
Photo: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove Production
Photo: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove Production
Photo: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove Production
Kissing Isn’t the Problem
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, as AIDS hysteria gripped the nation, artist collective Gran Fury launched a media-savvy art action that was impossible to ignore. Their “Kissing Doesn’t Kill: Greed and Indifference Do” campaign plastered cities with images of interracial, same-sex couples kissing, styled to look like ads from major fashion labels.
Beneath the glamour, the message was clear: the real killer wasn’t intimacy, but apathy. The art doubled as activism, turning billboards and bus ads into battlegrounds for awareness and accountability.
Photo: Gran Fury
Loie Fuller: The Original Light Show
Before Beyoncé twirled under lasers or Lady Gaga donned projection dresses, there was Loie Fuller. The late 19th-century dance pioneer fused fabric, light, and movement into her signature Serpentine Dance, dazzling audiences in France and beyond.
Working alongside her partner Gabrielle Bloch, Fuller created mesmerizing visual effects and pioneered stage lighting techniques that are still used today. Queer, collaborative, and unabashedly experimental, her work paved the way for generations of performance artists to come.
Loie Fuller in her gown equipped with concealed rods to allow her to wield a pair of enormous wings, 1901. Photo: Internet Archive
Loie Fuller photographed by Isaiah West Taber, 1897. Photo: Internet Archive
Queer Icons in Ink: Lesley Gore and Liz Smith
Sometimes activism looks like a handwritten letter. In an affectionate note from queer gossip columnist Liz Smith to singer Lesley Gore, the two share thoughts on a film and sign off with love and laughter.
Gore, known for feminist anthem “You Don’t Own Me,” came out publicly in 2005, though she had spent decades in a devoted partnership with Lois Sasson. Together, they championed LGBTQ+ visibility and women’s rights, quietly but powerfully.
Letter to Lesley Gore from Liz Smith, c.1996. Photo: New York Public Library
Madonna is once again making headlines—not just for her music or tours, but for her unwavering support of the trans community.
On May 29, the pop icon took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a photo of herself wearing a black “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, a bold fashion statement created by designer Conner Ives. Layered under a rosary chain and paired with a diamond necklace, the shirt was less of a wardrobe choice and more of a rallying cry.
With over 1.2 million views, Madonna’s post is more than viral—it’s a powerful act of visibility for a community under fire. Fans have flooded her comments with admiration for her unwavering love and support of LGBTQ+ community. One saying, “Thank you, this means the world, and you are an absolute ray of light.” Another quoting, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH OUR COMMUNITY!”
Thank you, this means the world, and you are an absolute ray of light.
The phrase “Protect the Dolls” is more than just a slogan. It’s a nod to the vibrant slang of 1980s Ballroom culture, originally popularized by Black and Latina trans women. In that scene, “the dolls” was an empowering term used to celebrate femininity, strength, and presence. Today, it’s embraced by many trans women and transfeminine nonbinary individuals as an affirming label.
Photo: Akib Irfan
By reviving the term in this new design, Conner Ives isn’t just selling T-shirts—he’s raising awareness and funds for trans-focused initiatives. The shirt made its debut at the close of his London Fashion Week runway show, and it’s since taken on a life of its own.
Celebrities Join the Movement
Madonna isn’t the only A-lister showing up for the dolls.
Actor Pedro Pascal, who has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, recently wore the same shirt during his 50th birthday celebration. Among those in attendance were his sister, trans actress Lux Pascal, and trailblazing trans DJ Honey Dijon. The gathering wasn’t just festive—it was quietly political.
Australian pop star Troye Sivan, actress Tilda Swinton, and internet sensation Addison Rae have also been spotted donning the now-iconic design.
A Timely Message
As anti-trans legislation continues to rise globally, these moments of visible solidarity are more than symbolic. They serve as reminders that fashion, when paired with intention, can be a powerful tool of resistance.
And when Madonna, Pascal, and a parade of other stars wear a message loud and proud, the world takes notice.
There’s something electric about watching a DJ return to a festival that helped shape their musical journey. For Serbian-born, LA-based DJ and producer Masha Mar, taking over EDC’s neonGARDEN stage wasn’t just another gig — it was a homecoming.
“I came to EDC for the first time in 2007 as a teenager,” Mar said, glowing with post-set adrenaline. “I wasn’t a DJ yet, but I was inspired. So to come back, years later, and open one of the festival’s most iconic stages? It feels incredible.”
And if you know Masha, you know she doesn’t just show up — she delivers.
Masha Mar. Photo: Insomniac
From Underground to Main Stage
Masha’s set at EDC Las Vegas 2025 marked a new chapter in a career that’s thrived on three interconnected forces: DJing, radio, and event curation. Her style spans festivals and dance floors alike, gripping crowds with an eclectic sound that’s as punchy as it is authentic.
Following the release of her debut EP Virgil’s Dream in 2022, and a string of buzzy singles with SOS Music, Femme House, and Dusk Recordings, Masha’s been steadily shaping her sonic world — one that dances between the underground and the open-air.
And she’s not just behind the decks. As the co-founder of Dig Deeper LA and co-creator of the queer and femme-forward open-air series Take It Outside, Masha has welcomed legends like DJ Harvey, Honey Dijon, and Gerd Janson to her stages — all while making space for the next generation of dance floor disruptors.
A Queer Celebration Under the Electric Sky
As her EDC set blasted into the night, Masha found herself lifted by a sea of euphoric energy — especially from the queer fans in the audience.
“Literally all the queer people in the audience fed me,” she said. “I was playing for them. I’m so grateful for this community.”
That gratitude isn’t performative. Her Take It Outside parties with Heidi Lawden prioritize femme and queer inclusion, reinforcing her commitment to making nightlife a space for everyone. It’s exactly the kind of ethos EDC celebrates with its “All Are Welcome Here” mantra — a rainbow-lit rave where love, art, and unity take center stage.
Crowd Energy, Pizza Breaks, and Totem Goals
EDC’s multi-sensory overload — from fireworks to LED creatures to carnival rides — offered a dreamlike setting for Mar’s set.
“It’s a total energy exchange,” she said. “I had prepped a lot, but once I felt the crowd, I shifted things. More bangers, more hands-in-the-air moments — hey, we’re at EDC!”
Post-set, she grabbed some pizza and regrouped before diving back into the chaos of roaming circus characters and impromptu dance parties.
And when asked what kind of totem she’d bring into the crowd if the tables were turned? “Maybe something Brat-related,” she laughed. “A little ‘bumpin’ dat’ moment.”
A Madonna Moment, Of Course
Masha also confessed to a diva she just can’t resist remixing.
“I opened with a track I made that’s all drums and Madonna’s ‘Music’ acapella,” she said, grinning. “So yeah, Madonna.”
A perfect match for the festival’s neon dreamscape — and a reminder that in the middle of it all, the queer community’s pulse is what keeps EDC dancing.
Scroll down for more electric content from iconic festival.
Photo: EDC
Fireworks shining bright in the sky and going festival-goers an amazing spectacle amongst the incredible DJ acts. Photo: EDC
Photo: EDC
Signage of the famous ‘Daisy Lane’ in the midst of the EDC floor plan. Photo: EDC
Ravers enjoying the iconic EDC festival. Photo: EDC
Sad news for Drag Race fans hoping to see Bob the Drag Queen back on RuPaul’s Drag Race—it seems the season eight winner has officially hung up his competition heels for good. In the latest episode of Boyfriend Material, hosted by Harry Jowsey, Bob made it clear that he has no plans to return to the Drag Race runway as a contestant.
When Jowsey asked if he would consider going back to RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bob responded, “I think I’m good,” adding, “I won already. Also, going to All Stars is, no shade, but that’s for losers. Go back to when you lost and I won.”
Though Bob joked about the All Stars season, he did acknowledge the Drag Race franchise’s All-Winners season in 2022, which he was notably absent from. “In their defense, I was busy and probably would’ve said no anyway, but it is true that I wasn’t invited,” Bob shared, giving a cheeky nod to his exclusion.
Since snatching the crown in season eight, Bob has become one of the most successful queens in Drag Race herstory. Far beyond the confines of the Drag Race stage, he’s been busy racking up impressive credits. Bob became a regular cast member on the Emmy-winning HBO series We’re Here, starred in the third season of The Traitors, and continues to earn praise for his podcast Sibling Rivalry, where he teams up with fellow Drag Race winner Monét X Change.
Bob’s other accolades include serving as Madonna‘s emcee for her Celebration Tour, starring in a number of comedy specials, and recently releasing his debut novel, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. His resume also boasts notable appearances in A Black Lady Sketch Show, Tales of the City, Lucifer, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, Legendary, Trixie Motel, The Simpsons, Hell’s Kitchen, and Doctor Odyssey—just to name a few.
In his interview with Jowsey, Bob also opened up about his time on Madonna’s tour, calling it a “fun, grueling, and thrilling” experience. He also reflected on his surprisingly early exit from The Traitors, and even gave a glimpse into his polyamorous relationship, describing it as “like a diagram with ribbon and yarn” and “like investigating a murder.”
For those hoping to see Bob back in the Drag Race workroom, it looks like they’ll need to settle for his many other TV and stage appearances. You can watch the full interview below for more insight into Bob’s colorful life and career.
The long-standing feud between pop icons Madonna and Elton John has finally come to an end, with both artists sharing a touching photo on social media to announce that they have “officially buried the hatchet.” The photo, posted on April 7, 2025, features Madonna hugging Elton John, a heartwarming gesture that signals the end of a decades-long rivalry that once divided fans, the media, and even fellow musicians.
The feud between Madonna and Elton John can be traced back to 2002, when Elton John publicly criticized Madonna’s theme song for the James Bond film Die Another Day. In interviews, John labeled the song “the worst Bond tune ever,” a remark that sparked the beginning of a tense and often hostile exchange between the two pop superstars. Over the next 20 years, the feud continued, with both artists taking jabs at each other during interviews and public appearances, fueling the fire of speculation and division among their fans. The drama reached new heights in 2004 when John took a swipe at Madonna during his acceptance speech at the Q Awards, calling out her use of lip syncing during her concerts.
Despite occasional attempts to mend fences over the years, the feud never truly subsided—until now. Madonna’s recent Instagram post marks a major milestone in their relationship, signaling that the two have reconciled, at last.
The Moment of Reconciliation
In her Instagram post, Madonna shared the emotional details of her encounter with Elton John backstage at Saturday Night Live, where she attended his performance. Reflecting on her admiration for John since her teenage years, Madonna recalled sneaking out of her house to see Elton perform live in Detroit, a pivotal moment that shaped her own musical journey.
“Seeing him perform when I was in high school changed the course of my life. I had always felt like an outsider growing up and watching him on stage helped me to understand that it was OK to be different,” she wrote. “It was essential.”
However, the pain of knowing that someone she admired so much disliked her as an artist was difficult for Madonna to bear. She took matters into her own hands, deciding to confront Elton in person. The encounter proved to be a turning point when Elton, without hesitation, apologized: “Forgive me.” The ice was broken, and the two immediately embraced, with Madonna revealing that John had even written a song for her, hinting at the possibility of a future collaboration.
A few minutes later, Elton John re-shared Madonna’s Instagram post, further solidifying their reunion. In his own Instagram story, John described the moment as a “healing” experience, posting a heart emoji and adding an audio tag of his classic hit, “Your Song,” which Madonna had referenced in her post. The photo and accompanying messages not only announced the end of their feud but also teased a potential collaboration between the two pop legends.
Photo: Instagram(@eltonjohn)
A Surprising Reconciliation
Madonna’s recent Instagram post and Elton John’s supportive response have sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see what comes next for the two music legends. Could a collaboration be in the works? Time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that the decades-long feud has come to a close, and fans are thrilled to see these two icons embracing once again.
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Madonna and Elton John in terms of music projects, their heartfelt reunion signals that old wounds have healed and the two can now look back on their shared history with a renewed sense of respect. After all, in the world of pop music, there’s always room for a happy ending.
Music icon Madonna is once again voicing her strong opposition to the policies of former President Donald Trump, condemning his executive orders targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly those affecting transgender individuals. In a passionate statement shared via Instagram on March 7, Madonna expressed her heartbreak over the ongoing discrimination faced by trans people under Trump’s administration.
Since taking office, Trump, now 78, has enacted a series of executive orders that have drawn significant criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. These include restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and a controversial ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.
Madonna, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has regularly spoken out against what she describes as the administration’s “bigotry” toward the LGBTQ+ community. In her latest statement, the pop legend lamented the harsh treatment transgender people have endured, questioning how those in power could fail to understand the struggles of marginalized groups.
“How can we know what it feels like? Have we walked in their shoes?” Madonna wrote in her Instagram story. “The lynch mob mentality in this country is at an all-time high. The excitement people get from watching others go down or be silenced, be blacklisted, is disturbing.”
Photo: Instagram/@Madonna
The 65-year-old star continued by condemning those who take pleasure in the suffering of others, calling such behavior a “sin.” She emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion, urging humanity to focus on uplifting those who strive to be better versions of themselves.
“Humanity should put more time and effort into lifting people up and supporting anyone who is striving to be the better version of themselves,” Madonna added.
Her comments came in the wake of a controversial speech made by Trump on March 4, during his address to Congress. In his remarks, Trump once again targeted the LGBTQ+ community, falsely claiming that the previous Democratic administration had spent millions of dollars attempting to create “transgender mice.” This false claim, which quickly gained traction on social media, was debunked by fact-checkers. CNN clarified that the funding in question was for studies analyzing the effects of hormones on preexisting health conditions, such as asthma—not for the creation of “transgender mice.”
Despite the falsehoods, the rhetoric has only fueled Madonna’s resolve to stand up for the rights of transgender individuals. This is not the first time she has spoken out against the Trump administration. In January, she posted a similar message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her dismay at the Republican president’s dismantling of protections for marginalized groups. At the time, she urged LGBTQ+ individuals not to “give up the fight.”
Madonna’s continued advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community comes as a reminder of her longstanding commitment to social justice. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to challenge inequality and amplify the voices of those who are often silenced.
The pop star’s latest remarks have sparked widespread support from her followers, many of whom have praised her for remaining steadfast in her support of the LGBTQ+ community. As the political landscape continues to shift, Madonna’s voice remains a powerful ally in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
The former queen of pop has made it clear that her advocacy will not waver, even in the face of divisive political climates and continued attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. “Don’t give up the fight,” she urged her followers, echoing a message of resilience and hope for a more inclusive future.
Lady Gaga is bringing Mayhem to Rio de Janeiro this May with a highly anticipated free concert on the iconic Copacabana Beach. Set for May 3, 2025, the concert will be open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis and promises to be a monumental event in the singer’s career.
The concert will also be broadcast live on Multishow and TV Globo starting at 9 p.m. BRT. Fans who can’t attend in person will still be able to experience the excitement of the performance from the comfort of their homes.
“It’s a great honor to be asked to sing for Rio. For my whole career, the fans in Brazil have been part of the lifeblood of the little monsters,” Gaga shared in a post on X. “I’ve been dying to come perform for you for years and was heartbroken when I had to cancel years ago because I was hospitalized.”
It’s a great honor to be asked to sing for Rio–for my whole career the fans in Brazil have been part of the lifeblood of the little monsters. I’ve been dying to come perform for you for years and was heartbroken when I had to cancel years ago because I was hospitalized. Your… pic.twitter.com/uPVxJvb8dh
The pop star’s last visit to Brazil was in 2012, and she was scheduled to perform in Rio in 2017, but had to cancel the show due to being hospitalized. Expressing gratitude for the fans’ support during that time, she added, “Your understanding that I needed that time to heal meant the world to me. I am now coming back and I feel better than ever and am working so hard to make sure this show is one you will never forget.”
This performance will be part of Todo Mundo no Rio, a new initiative aimed at showcasing Rio de Janeiro’s entertainment scene. Gaga’s return to the city will be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture for her devoted Brazilian fans.
The Mayhem on the Beach concert comes as Lady Gaga prepares to release her new studio album, Mayhem, scheduled for release on March 7, 2025. The album will feature hit singles “Die With a Smile,” “Disease,” and “Abracadabra.” With a mix of high-energy pop and boundary-pushing artistry, the album is expected to be another landmark release for the Grammy-winning artist.
The beach concert follows in the footsteps of another iconic music event in Rio, when Madonna performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in 2023. That show, which marked the finale of her The Celebration Tour, drew an estimated 1.6 million attendees, making it the largest concert of Madonna’s career.
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem on the Beach concert promises to be a major highlight of the year, adding to her already legendary list of performances. As the date approaches, excitement is building for what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for fans in Brazil and around the world.
Pop icon Madonna has voiced her strong disapproval of the policies enacted by the Trump administration, accusing the government of dismantling the freedoms that have been fought for over the years. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Madonna shared a selfie with a heartfelt message decrying the current political climate under President Donald Trump’s second term.
In her post, she wrote, “It’s so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years.” Alongside the text, she added a Pride flag and a broken heart emoji to emphasize her distress over the changes being made. The post ended with a call to action for her followers: “Don’t give up the Fight!”
Madonna’s comments reflect growing concern among activists and advocates for civil rights in the face of executive actions taken by the Trump administration in its first week of the president’s second term. These executive orders have targeted several key issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, gender identity protections, and the rights of transgender individuals.
Among the sweeping changes, Trump’s new orders have aimed to eliminate DEI positions within federal agencies, a move that many see as a direct attack on efforts to foster inclusivity in government workplaces. Additionally, the administration repealed directives from the previous government that protected against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, particularly within the military. The latest move requires the federal government to recognize only two genders—male and female—on passports and official documents, effectively erasing recognition of non-binary individuals.
For Madonna, who has long been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, this turn of events is a particularly personal issue. The “Material Girl” singer has spent decades using her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights, and her advocacy stretches back to the early years of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Throughout her career, she has consistently pushed for greater acceptance of marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This is not the first time she has publicly criticized Trump, and she has made it clear that she remains committed to fighting for equality and justice.
Madonna’s post follows similar criticisms from other high-profile celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez, who have also expressed their concerns about the direction of the country under Trump’s policies.
In an interview with Elle magazine published this week, Lady Gaga spoke out in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, saying, “I am one of many people that supports [the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized] communities. And we’re not going down without a fight. We will stick together. It’s going to be hard but I’m up for it. We’re up for it. And I just want everyone to know how deeply they’re loved and not invisible.”
Similarly, Selena Gomez took to social media on Monday to share an emotional reaction to the mass deportations that have been a major focus of the administration’s immigration policy. “I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry,” a visibly emotional Gomez said in an Instagram Story. “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
These celebrity responses come as part of a broader backlash against the Trump administration’s policies, which critics argue disproportionately harm marginalized communities. The executive orders, which aim to reverse many of the social and cultural advancements made in recent years, have sparked widespread protests and condemnation from a range of activists, political leaders, and civil rights organizations.
Madonna, in particular, has been at the forefront of pushing back against conservative policies that threaten the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2017, she delivered a passionate speech at the Women’s March on Washington, where she described the movement as “the revolution of love” and declared a “rebellion” against the “new age of tyranny” under Trump. The pop superstar’s advocacy has consistently emphasized love, inclusion, and the need to fight for justice, especially for marginalized groups who face increasing discrimination under the current political climate.
While Madonna’s post is a call to action for her followers, it also underscores the deep emotional and political stakes of the ongoing cultural battle surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, and the broader fight for equality. With a tumultuous political landscape ahead, Madonna’s message is clear: the fight is far from over, and the pursuit of freedom and equality for all people must continue, regardless of the challenges ahead.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, it’s likely that more celebrities, activists, and organizations will continue to speak out against the administration’s policies. With Madonna leading the charge, the message remains steadfast—freedom and equality are worth fighting for, and no amount of political opposition can erase the progress made in the fight for human rights.
Madonna’s bold stance serves as a reminder of the power of celebrity advocacy and the enduring importance of standing up for marginalized communities in the face of adversity. “Don’t give up the Fight,” as she encourages in her post, is a message that resonates beyond the realm of entertainment—it is a call to action for everyone committed to social justice.
