Gayety

Tag: Raye

  • JADE Opens Up on Heartache and Glitter With New Single ‘Plastic Box’

    JADE Opens Up on Heartache and Glitter With New Single ‘Plastic Box’

    JADE, the magnetic former member of British girl group Little Mix, is diving deeper into her solo era with her newest single “Plastic Box,”a shimmering house-pop track laced with raw emotion and a pulsing beat made for late-night dance floors and lonely bedroom listens alike.

    The song, released ahead of her debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby! (due out Sept. 12), offers a personal and bittersweet take on emotional insecurity. JADE describes it as a “happy-sad” anthem, grappling with the irrational jealousy that can bubble up when thinking about a partner’s past, something many listeners are likely to find relatable.

    From Girl Group Fame to Glittering Solo Star

    Since her days topping charts and collecting awards with Little Mix, JADE (full name Jade Thirlwall) has stepped confidently into the solo spotlight. Her debut single “Angel of My Dreams” became a cult favorite turned mainstream success, earning her a BRIT Award for Pop Act and a nomination for Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards.

    She kept the momentum going with the infectious “IT girl” and the tongue-in-cheek kiss-off track “FUFN (Fuck You For Now),” each showcasing a different shade of her artistry. Now, with “Plastic Box,” JADE brings vulnerability front and center, wrapped in a fast-paced, danceable package.

    What’s the Song Really About?

    In a press statement, JADE explained that “Plastic Box” explores “irrational and toxic insecurity” in relationships, particularly the unease that can come from imagining a partner’s previous loves. “Even though we know everyone has a past, it can still feel complicated,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

    The track was co-written with GRADES and Lauren Aquilina and co-produced by Oscar Görres, names familiar to anyone tuned into the modern pop landscape.

    A Nod to Madonna and a Balloon to Match

    The music video is just as evocative. Featuring a heart-shaped mylar balloon and stylistic nods to Madonna’s iconic “Don’t Tell Me” video, the visual blends nostalgia and heartbreak with fashion-forward flair. JADE’s artistic direction continues to signal that she’s not just stepping out on her own, she’s claiming new territory.

    Upcoming Album and Sold-Out Tour

    That’s Showbiz Baby! will arrive Sept. 12, featuring collaborations with a stacked lineup of producers and artists including RAYE, Cirkut, Pablo Bowman, Mike Sabath, and Lostboy. The album promises the same mix of theatrical flair, emotional honesty, and danceable beats that JADE has been serving in her solo singles.

    Ahead of the release, JADE will embark on a sold-out UK and Ireland tour, with dates kicking off in Dublin on Oct. 8 and wrapping up with a show at London’s Roundhouse on Nov. 22.

    Fan Reactions: Pop Lovers Are All In

    JADE’s fans have been quick to share their thoughts on social media, with “Plastic Box” already earning comparisons to Robyn’s emotional dancefloor bangers and Dua Lipa’s sleek pop production.

    One fan posted, “JADE YOU MAKE IT SO EASY TO ROOT FOR YOU.” Several Little Mix stans praised JADE’s evolution, noting her confidence and authenticity as a solo artist, “JADE never disappoints! ‘Plastic Box’ MV is a whole vibe.”

    JADE’s That’s Showbiz Baby! Tour Dates

    • Wed October 08 2025 – DUBLIN 3Olympia Theatre
    • Thu October 09 2025 – BELFAST Ulster Hall
    • Sat October 11 2025 – BRIGHTON Brighton Dome
    • Sun October 12 2025 – MANCHESTER O2 Victoria Warehouse
    • Mon October 13 2025 – GLASGOW O2 Academy Glasgow
    • Wed October 15 2025 – LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
    • Thu October 16 2025 – BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
    • Sat October 18 2025 – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall
    • Sun October 19 2025 – LONDON Roundhouse
    • Tue October 21 2025 – BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy Bournemouth
    • Wed October 22 2025 – LONDON Roundhouse
  • Jennifer Lopez Performs ‘Freedom’ Closing Out The Opening Worldpride with One Massive Chorus

    Jennifer Lopez Performs ‘Freedom’ Closing Out The Opening Worldpride with One Massive Chorus

    Under the radiant lights of the RFK Festival Grounds, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ music festival roared to life this past weekend, delivering an unforgettable celebration of queer culture, music, and unapologetic pride. As part of the official WorldPride DC 2025 festivities, the WorldPride Music Festival united tens of thousands of fans from across the globe for two days of high-voltage performances, heartfelt messages of solidarity, and a powerful sense of community. Leading the charge was global icon Jennifer Lopez, who turned her headline set into a poignant tribute to love, identity, and freedom.

     

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    Lopez’s performance on Friday night wasn’t just a star-studded spectacle—it was the heartbeat of a weekend defined by unity and resistance. “We are singing and dancing right here on their front lawn, misbehaving. Yes we are,” she told a roaring crowd, just miles from the White House, during a climactic cover of George Michael’s song Freedom ’90. The performance, backed by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., swelled into a full-blown anthem of resilience, echoing through the night as a call to embrace joy and authenticity in the face of rising political tension.

    Rita Ora for Worldpride.
    Rita Ora for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

    The singer’s set, filled with career-spanning hits like “Let’s Get Loud,” “On The Floor,” and “Waiting for Tonight,” reached new emotional heights as rainbow lights washed over the crowd during Freedom, turning the festival grounds into a sea of unity and celebration. The moment wasn’t lost on Lopez, who has long been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

    Betty Who for Worldpride.
    Betty Who for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

    “Over the years, your love and your support have been a source of strength for me,” Lopez said, pausing between songs. “And today, I am here to celebrate you. I’m so happy to be able to be here to celebrate community, diversity, love, and freedom.”

    Paris Hilton for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

    The electrifying evening also featured the world premiere of her new single, Save Me Tonight, a collaboration with David Guetta, which she performed live for the first time. As a special bonus for fans, Lopez offered an exclusive sneak peek of her upcoming film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, set for release in October, teasing the multidimensional impact of her ongoing creative journey.

    Jennifer Lopez for Worldpride.
    Jennifer Lopez for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

    The two-day festival featured four immersive stages and a stacked lineup that showcased the diversity of queer music and performance. Alongside Lopez, standout acts included Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, Rita Ora, Zedd, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Marina, Sasha Colby, Trisha Paytas, and Sofi Tukker, among others.

    On Saturday, Sivan closed the festival with an emotional, magnetic set that included hits like “Rush,” “My My My!,” and “Bloom.” His performance, much like Lopez’s, doubled as a thank-you to the LGBTQ+ fans who have been with him from the start. “This community has given me everything,” he told the crowd, voice trembling as thousands sang along.

    Renee Rapp for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

    Kim Petras brought high-octane club energy with her signature blend of pop and electro bangers, while RuPaul delivered an iconic DJ set that had the audience voguing under the stars. Singer-songwriter RAYE brought vulnerability and soul, and Renee Rapp’s set, including her biting track “Poison Poison” dedicated to the current administration, emphasized that Pride is as much protest as it is celebration.

    Throughout the festival grounds, interactive brand activations, wellness spaces, and bold art installations added layers of engagement and introspection. Hornitos Tequila, a major sponsor, set up a vibrant “Wall of Joy” photo activation, encouraging guests to leave messages of hope and love. Festival screens played queer stories, trivia, and media clips from favorites like Young Royals, Love, Simon, Queer Eye, and Glee—a continuous reminder that visibility matters in every form.

    Rupaul for Worldpride.
    Rupaul for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

    Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, named one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ+ People of the Year, in partnership with Insomniac and Club Glow, the WorldPride Music Festival was more than a party. It was a political and cultural statement, boldly affirming that queer voices, art, and joy deserve space, spotlight, and safety.

    The weekend’s high-energy sets were matched by moments of deep emotion. As Lopez stood center stage with the chorus behind her during Freedom, it became clear that this was no ordinary performance. The rainbow-lit stage, the live choir, and the sea of flags and tears in the crowd crystallized what Pride is truly about: liberation, visibility, and love.

    Troye Sivan for Worldpride.
    Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival

    Lopez’s ability to blend dazzling showmanship with heartfelt sincerity solidified her as the festival’s emotional anchor. From debuting new music and sharing sneak peeks of upcoming projects to honoring the community with every note and gesture, her set embodied the power of presence.

    And that presence resonated far beyond the stage.

    Kim Petras for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

    In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed threat in parts of the U.S., WorldPride DC 2025 stood tall as a radiant reminder of queer resilience. For two days, politics faded into the background as music, dance, and connection took center stage. The crowd—diverse in every imaginable way—was united in joy, protest, and celebration.

    Troye Sivan for Worldpride.
    Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival

    As the last note rang out and the lights dimmed on an unforgettable weekend, the message was clear: Pride is not just a month or a parade. It is a movement. And at WorldPride, that movement had a soundtrack.

    For more information about WorldPride DC 2025, visit worldpride25.com.

  • Reneé Rapp Joins Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan at WorldPride Music Festival in DC

    Reneé Rapp Joins Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan at WorldPride Music Festival in DC

    The “It’s Not My Fault” singer will also serve as a grand marshal at the WorldPride Parade on June 7.

    Pop powerhouse, Broadway breakout, and queer icon Reneé Rapp is turning up the volume for WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C.

    Fresh off the release of her fiery new single, “Leave Me Alone,” Rapp is set to light up the stage at the WorldPride Music Festival, taking place June 6 and 7 at the RFK Festival Grounds. She joins an electrifying lineup that includes Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Paris Hilton, Kim Petras, Zedd, RAYE, Galantis, Purple Disco Machine, Tinashe, Sofi Tukker, Rita Ora, and more.

    But that’s not all—Rapp will also serve as a grand marshal for the city’s iconic WorldPride Parade on June 7, cementing her place as one of Pride’s most visible and vocal champions.

    A Star with Something to Say

    Known for her breakout performances in Mean Girls and HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, Rapp has also carved out a space in pop music with bold, emotionally raw hits like “It’s Not My Fault” and “Talk Too Much.”

    She brings that same unfiltered energy to Pride.

    “Pride is everything. It is protection, it is visibility, it is intersectional. But most importantly, it is a celebration of existence and protest,” Rapp said in a statement shared by WorldPride.

    Her presence at both the parade and festival isn’t just another appearance—it’s a declaration.

    Reneé Rapp joins Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and more at WorldPride Music Festival and Parade in D.C., June 6–7.
    Photo: WorldPride

    The Biggest LGBTQ+ Music Festival in History?

    This year’s WorldPride Music Festival is on track to be the largest LGBTQ+ music event ever, with more than 3 million people expected to attend WorldPride events across the city.

    The two-day festival will feature four immersive stages, art installations, live performances across genres (pop, techno, house, drag, and more), and some of the most vibrant queer experiences ever assembled on the East Coast.

    Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ People of the Year, in partnership with Capital Pride and Club Glow, the event blends entertainment with empowerment.

    “WorldPride is about amplifying LGBTQ+ voices on a global stage,” said Resnicow. “Reneé Rapp represents everything this moment is about — authenticity, empowerment, and fearless queer joy.”

    What’s New This Year?

    In addition to Rapp’s must-see set, this year’s festival is debuting several exciting features:

    • The Unity Stage: Showcasing local and international LGBTQ+ performers

    • The Drag District: Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone, with performances from Derrick Barry, Jimi The Kween, and glam courtesy of JLo Beauty

    • Official After-Parties: 11 epic events across D.C., including sets by Zedd and Purple Disco Machine at the legendary Echostage

    • The Pier Dance at The Wharf (June 8): Back-to-back sunset sets from Sofi (of Sofi Tukker) and LP Giobbi against the backdrop of D.C.’s stunning Southwest waterfront

    Don’t Miss Out

    Tickets—including General Admission, GA+, and VIP packages—are selling fast. For more information or to purchase tickets, head to WorldPride25.com.

    Proceeds from the festival support Capital Pride Alliance and other local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

    For live updates and behind-the-scenes moments, follow @WorldPrideMusicFestival on Instagram.

    Whether you’re dancing under the stars or marching in the streets, this year’s WorldPride celebration is shaping up to be unforgettable—and Reneé Rapp is ready to bring the house down.

  • 2025 Grammys: First Slate of Performers Announced, Featuring a Diverse Lineup of Queer Artists

    2025 Grammys: First Slate of Performers Announced, Featuring a Diverse Lineup of Queer Artists

    With the 2025 Grammy Awards just around the corner, excitement is building as the Recording Academy has announced the first wave of performers set to take the stage. The annual ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, February 2, will shine a spotlight on some of the biggest names in music, with a particular focus on the growing influence of queer artists across genres.

    Leading the nominations this year is Beyoncé, who has earned an impressive 11 nods, making her the most-nominated artist of the year. However, it’s not just Beyoncé making waves; the 2025 Grammys are shaping up to be a landmark year for queer representation, with artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, Troye Sivan, Billie Eilish, Willow, Clairo, Kaytranada, Kehlani, and Anitta all receiving nominations. Notably, Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish are both up for the prestigious categories of Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.

    In addition to the nominations, several of these queer artists will take center stage during the ceremony, performing their nominated tracks and celebrating the diverse range of voices in today’s music industry. The Grammys will also include a special segment dedicated to raising funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief, adding a philanthropic element to the star-studded event.

    Here’s a closer look at some of the performers already announced for the 2025 Grammys:

    Chappell Roan
    Chappell Roan, the Oklahoma-born pop singer-songwriter, is having a breakout year. The artist, who has received six nominations, is up for Best New Artist, as well as Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Her single “Good Luck, Babe!” is in the running for three awards, and Roan is widely anticipated to perform the track during the ceremony. With her unique blend of pop, country, and indie influences, Roan is poised to make a major statement on the Grammy stage.

    Doechii
    Rising star Doechii is a first-time nominee at the 2025 Grammys. With four nominations under her belt, including Best New Artist, Doechii has quickly become a name to watch. The Florida-born rapper and singer is known for her dynamic sound and bold visuals, and her recent single “Denial Is a River” has earned significant attention. Fans are hoping to see a live performance of the track during the ceremony, which would mark a major moment in her rapidly growing career.

     

    Doechii at the 2023 BET Awards Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA
    Doechii at the 2023 BET Awards Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA

    Billie Eilish
    Billie Eilish continues her Grammy dominance, having earned seven nominations this year, bringing her career total to an impressive 32 nods, with nine wins to her name. Among her nominations are Record and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather,” one of the standout tracks from her latest album. Eilish has been known to surprise audiences with unexpected collaborations, and it’s possible that she could join forces with Charli XCX for a performance of their nominated song “Guess,” which has also earned recognition in several categories.

    Charli XCX
    Charli XCX is another major contender at the 2025 Grammys, with eight nominations for her album Brat. The British pop icon has been a force in experimental pop for years, and this year’s nominations highlight her versatility. Her tracks “360,” “Von Dutch,” “Guess,” and “Apple” are all up for awards, and it’s expected that Charli XCX will bring her signature avant-garde style to the Grammy stage during a highly anticipated performance.

    Charli XCX attends The Fashion Awards 2023 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
    Charli XCX attends The Fashion Awards 2023 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

    Sabrina Carpenter
    Sabrina Carpenter, a first-time nominee at this year’s Grammys, has earned six nominations for her songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” from her album Short n’ Sweet. Known for her versatile vocal ability and her transition from Disney star to mainstream pop artist, Carpenter is a rising star in the industry. Fans are eager to see what she’ll bring to the Grammy stage, especially with such a strong showing in this year’s nominations.

    Raye
    British singer-songwriter Raye has earned her spot among the six nominees for Best New Artist. The artist, who has worked with global superstars like Beyoncé and David Guetta, is gaining recognition for her unique sound that blends pop, R&B, and electronic influences. Raye’s performance at the 2025 Grammys is expected to showcase her talent and further solidify her place in the music industry.

    Shakira
    Latin music icon Shakira is back at the Grammys with seven nominations, including Best Latin Pop Album for her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. Known for her global appeal and infectious rhythms, Shakira has long been a fixture at the Grammys, having won three times in the past. This year’s nominations highlight her continued relevance in the industry, and her performance is sure to be a highlight of the evening.

    Benson Boone
    Rising pop artist Benson Boone is up for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys. The acrobatic singer, known for his Freddie Mercury-inspired performances, has gained a dedicated following with his powerful vocals and engaging stage presence. Boone’s Grammy performance could be his big moment to capture the attention of a global audience.

    Teddy Swims
    Another artist vying for Best New Artist is Teddy Swims, a soulful singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Swims has gained recognition for his unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences, and his Grammy performance will likely showcase his ability to move audiences with his emotional delivery.

    Looking Ahead
    The 2025 Grammys promise to be a historic night, with a diverse range of queer artists leading the charge in categories like Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. These performers not only represent a new era in the music industry but also demonstrate the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream entertainment.

    As the Grammys approach, fans are eagerly awaiting more performer announcements, and with so many queer artists nominated, the 2025 ceremony is poised to be a night of celebration and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.