Broadway actor and LGBTQ+ advocate Frankie Grande announced a lineup of artists of his debut album, Hotel Rock Bottom (Deluxe). The expanded edition features fresh tracks and punchy collaborations—most notably a heartfelt remix with sister, global superstar Ariana Grande. “Hotel Rock Bottom (Deluxe) will be out TONIGHT at midnight ET! So honored to be joined by @bigfreedia, @estitties, @officialdetoxmusic, @felixjaehn, and my sister @arianagrande 💫” Frankie posted on Instagram.
The accompanying lyric video for the Ariana remix will debut on YouTube in tandem with the album release. Grande expressed raw emotion and gratitude in the post, crediting his supporters: “I’m BEYOND emotional, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along this journey…and allowed me to spread the love and light that has guided me through this beautiful life in sobriety.”
A Pride-Centric Release
Hotel Rock Bottom (Deluxe) arrives in the aftermath of Pride Month and continues Frankie’s mission to weave queer identity, personal healing, and creative expression. The original album debuted during Pride and marked the culmination of his eight-year journey to sobriety.
Reflecting on that personal transformation, Frankie told ITV News, “Had I tried to release an album while I was drinking and using, I probably would have never released it… I waited until my instrument was clean and pure, and I could tell the stories that I wanted to tell.”
Now, with high-profile collaborators and deeply vulnerable lyrics, Grande has positioned the deluxe edition as both a celebration and an outpouring of authenticity.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Frankie collaborated with trailblazing musicians and LGBTQ+ icons on the deluxe album:
Ariana Grande, Oscar-nominated singer and world-renowned pop sensation
Big Freedia, Bounce legend and queer culture luminary
Salina Estitties, rising queer rapper who blends resilience and rhythm
Detox, celebrated drag star and activist
Felix Jaehn, EDM producer with international acclaim
By blending vocal, rap, drag, and dance music styles, Grande bridges performance traditions and uplift collective queer voices.
“It’s So Personal” — A Sibling Bond
Frankie has called the remix with Ariana the emotional anchor of the deluxe album. “This song is so personal to me, and having her on it makes it even more meaningful,” he told fans. “Can’t wait for you to hear it!!”
Their professional partnership stems from deep personal support: Ariana encouraged Frankie throughout his songwriting process, urging him to trust his instincts. “She’s been unbelievable throughout this process… I learned from her to trust your gut,” he explained, crediting his sister with key creative guidance.
Ariana, busy preparing for her upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, also shares her brother’s enthusiasm. Their collaboration marks yet another high-profile moment in a series of sibling duets, including Ariana’s feature on Frankie’s earlier track Better Not Ride.
From Broadway to Best-Seller
Frankie Grande is no stranger to the spotlight. A Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia! veteran, he later expanded his platform via Big Brother and Big Brother: Reindeer Games. With 2.5 million Instagram followers and 1.5 million TikTok fans, Grande has translated high visibility into authentic storytelling.
But Hotel Rock Bottom is his first long-form musical project—an eight-track album anchored by songs like Boys and Rhythm of Love. He debuted tracks live at London Pride, acknowledging the UK’s rich queer cultural scene. “It’s a beautiful place with so many people of different backgrounds,” he said. “The LGBTQ+ community has always been so accepted here, especially in music. I do think you have broken many queer artists here before the United States.”
Sobriety as Creative Foundation
Grande’s openness about sobriety is part of the album’s emotional resonance. His decision to wait until his instrument—his voice and soul—was healed allows the songs to feel honest and powerful. “I waited until my instrument was clean and pure,” Frankie told ITV News.
“I could tell the stories that I wanted to tell.”
Maintaining sobriety as a queer performer in the public eye can be isolating, but Frankie credits his community, music, and husband with keeping him grounded.
Home, Family, and Queer Joy
Frankie’s domestic life also reflects a narrative of queer joy. He married actor-influencer Hale Leon in May 2022 in a Star Wars-themed ceremony officiated by their mother, Joan Grande. The couple’s wedding—filled with cultural and personal symbolism—was a testament to their chosen family. “I’m married to the man of my dreams… our families have merged together so beautifully,” Frankie wrote in an Instagram post after the ceremony.
In an era when LGBTQ+ celebrations can be surrounded by grief and loss, Frankie’s marriage stands as an enthusiastic embodiment of queer love and community.
Next Steps: Live Shows and Visual Storytelling
Following the deluxe album drop, Grande plans to release a series of behind-the-scenes videos, studio vlogs, and acoustic renditions of the deluxe remixes. A supporting tour is rumored—and eagerly anticipated by fans who have seen his rise from Broadway vocalist to queer pop pioneer.
He’s also coordinating visual content for each collaborator’s track. That includes music videos, lyric creatives, and short behind-the-scenes documentaries spotlighting queer artistic processes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The release of Hotel Rock Bottom (Deluxe) comes at a critical moment in mainstream queer representation. As drag bans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation proliferate worldwide, Frankie’s collaborative album is a reaffirmation of visibility and resilience.
By partnering with those like Big Freedia and Detox—queer icons known for outraged joy and political expression—Grande turns the album into an act of cultural defiance as much as celebration.
Midnight ET: A Celebration Begins
As the clock strikes midnight ET, Hotel Rock Bottom (Deluxe) will land on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can expect a 12-track feast of emotional stories, collaborative energy, and Pride-affirming beats.
Grande’s invitation is open and clear. “Check in to the deluxe suite at the link in my bio 🛎️” he teased—signing off with queer exuberance and personal truth at the heart of his artistry.
