Gayety

Tag: chappell roan

  • ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Drops Star-Studded Trailer Featuring Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and a Brand New Format

    ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10’ Drops Star-Studded Trailer Featuring Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, and a Brand New Format

    Start your engines—and make room in the werkroom. RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is returning for its 10th season on May 9, and this time it’s bigger, queerer, and witchier than ever.

    With a star-studded guest judge lineup and the largest cast in All Stars herstory, All Stars 10 promises high-stakes glamour, jaw-dropping performances, and a brand-new “Tournament of All Stars” format that could shake up the franchise forever.

    Grande, Erivo, and Roan… Oh My!

    In a teaser trailer that sent fans into a glittery meltdown, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande storm the werkroom with the line: “The witches will see you now!” Queens lose it (as they should), and honestly, so did we.

    Meanwhile, queer pop icon Chappell Roan makes her entrance in a wig cap and robe, dryly asking the queens, “Do any of you queers have something sexy I can slip into?” Consider the bar for guest judge entrances raised.

    Buffy Is Back—and She Brought Ice Spice

    The judging panel this season reads like a who’s who of queer icons, Oscar nominees, viral hitmakers, and cult TV legends.

    Joining RuPaul and resident judges Michelle Visage, Ross Matthews, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, Jamal Sims, and Law Roach are a diverse slate of guest judges, including:

    Meet the Queens

    Season 10 features a jaw-dropping 18 returning queens—making it the most packed All Stars season yet. Competing queens include:

    This diverse cast spans fan favorites, controversial queens, early outs, and redemption-seekers—all bringing a mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent back to the main stage.

    New Format: The Tournament of All Stars

    Drag Race All Stars 10 will debut a brand-new structure known as the Tournament of All Stars. According to a press release from Paramount+:

    “The queens will be divided into three groups of six, each competing in their own bracket across three episodes. At the end of each bracket, the top three queens with the highest point totals will then advance to the semi-finals.”

    From there, it’s a high-stakes dash to the crown. The finalists will face off in an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown, with one queen ultimately earning a coveted spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

    And yes, Untucked will be back too—because if you’re not watching Untucked, you’re only getting half the tea.

    How to Watch

    RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 premieres May 9 exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and WOW Presents Plus internationally.

    Watch the full trailer now and get ready for the ultimate drag battle royale—glamour, chaos, and glitter bombs included.

  • Chappell Roan Takes a Star-Studded Trip to DRAG: The Musical in NYC

    Chappell Roan Takes a Star-Studded Trip to DRAG: The Musical in NYC

    Chappell Roan made a glamorous entrance at the Off-Broadway hit DRAG: The Musical this past weekend, joining the glittering world of drag at New World Stages in New York City. The Grammy Award-winning singer, known for her bold musical style and advocacy for drag culture, was spotted enjoying the performance on Sunday, April 6, surrounded by some of the biggest drag stars in the world, including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Alaska Thunderf—, Jujubee, Jan Sport, Luxx Noir London, and Lagoona Bloo.

    Photo: Matthew Murphy
    Photo: Matthew Murphy

    Roan Goes Incognito at the Theater

    Roan, a global superstar, was determined to experience the show without drawing attention, arriving at the theater dressed in a cloak and with her signature red locks hidden under a hood. A source at the scene described her entrance as “totally incognito,” adding, “It was like something out of The Traitors!” The pop sensation made sure her arrival was discreet, but once inside, she wasted no time mingling with the cast and crew, who couldn’t have been more thrilled by her presence.

    Chappell Roan’s Backstage Love and Support

    After the show, Roan showed her true colors by visiting the DRAG: The Musical cast backstage, where she shared warm interactions with everyone involved in the production. According to People, “There was so much love in the room,” as Roan was “very personable with the cast” and even recited lines and moments from the show, showing her deep appreciation for the performance.

    Roan’s connection with the cast was especially evident in her interaction with Nick Laughlin, who plays the bearded drag queen Puss Puss DuBois. The two share a long-standing friendship, and Roan was joined at the show by her musical collaborator, Kyle Goold. It was a perfect evening of celebration and support for the drag community, which Roan has consistently championed.

    DRAG: The Musical – A Show About Family, Fashion, and Fierce Competition

    DRAG: The Musical has been a hit since its October 2024 opening, with the show set to run until April 27. The musical tells the comedic story of two rival drag clubs competing for supremacy in an outrageous, wig-snatching battle of wit and style. The drag queens, played by a stellar cast, embark on a journey of fashion, family, and, ultimately, forgiveness. Directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff, who is known for his work on Hedwig and the Angry Inch and So You Think You Can Dance, the production is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

    In addition to Alaska Thunderf—, who stars in the show, she also co-wrote the musical’s book and music alongside multi-platinum songwriter Tomas Costanza and chart-topping artist Ashley Gordon. Legendary performer Liza Minnelli lends her voice to the production by providing the pre-show announcement.

    A Long-Time Drag Supporter

    Roan’s connection to drag is no secret—she’s been an outspoken advocate for the art form and the LGBTQ+ community throughout her career. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, was also heavily influenced by drag culture, with Roan describing the LP as “just daydreams in drag.” The album features the hit single “HOT TO GO!” which has earned praise for its vibrant energy and captivating lyrics.

    DRAG: The Musical continues to dazzle audiences with its all-star cast and fantastic production. The show runs through April 27, with tickets available for purchase now. 

  • Lady Gaga Talks Meeting Chappell Roan and Supporting the Trans Community at the 2025 Grammys

    Lady Gaga Talks Meeting Chappell Roan and Supporting the Trans Community at the 2025 Grammys

    Lady Gaga is reflecting on a special moment from the 2025 Grammy Awards when she met up-and-coming queer artist Chappell Roan and shared an encouraging message of support. On the cusp of headlining Coachella and preparing for her Mayhem Ball tour, Gaga continues to use her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and give a voice to marginalized communities.

    In an interview with Out, Gaga shared her experience meeting Roan, the “Pink Pony Club” singer, at the Grammy ceremony. Gaga described the interaction as both emotional and empowering, noting how important it was to connect with artists who are making waves in the LGBTQ+ community.

    “It was amazing, and I think that it’s such a gift to the world,” Gaga said. “These artists are tremendous. Their messages are so important. Their music is amazing. And what they stand for, what they mean to so many people.”

    During their brief encounter, Gaga made sure to take a moment to praise Roan for her impact, telling her, “You inspire so many people.” Gaga reflected on how inspiring it was to witness the representation of queer women in music at the 2025 Grammy Awards, calling it the “most fun” she’s ever had at the event.

    A Powerful Grammy Moment

    Later in the evening, Gaga added even more to the queer conversation when she won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her hit song “Die With a Smile,” alongside Bruno Mars. During her acceptance speech, she used the moment to speak up for the trans community, calling attention to the rising violence and discrimination against trans individuals.

    “In my career, there’s only been a handful of times that I’ve been on stage to be able to have the attention of the world for 45 seconds,” Gaga explained. “I wanted to say something that is important — and it’s certainly important to me, but it’s even more important for the world to listen.”

    She continued, saying, “What trans people are facing right now is a terrible violence against their lives. I want to be a member of the community that’s supportive and loving, and that’s why I said what I said.”

    The Mayhem Era Continues

    Gaga is keeping the momentum going with her Mayhem era, which kicked off with her headlining performance at Coachella. As she gears up for her Mayhem Ball tour in July, fans are excited to see how Gaga will continue to blend her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights with her powerful performances.

    Meanwhile, Chappell Roan, who recently dropped her track “The Giver,” is also making waves as she works on her upcoming sophomore album.

    Lady Gaga’s latest album, Mayhem, is available on all streaming platforms. For tickets and more information on her upcoming performances, including her headlining shows at Coachella, fans can visit the official festival website.

     

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  • ‘M3GAN 2.0’ Trailer Drops Sending Her LGBTQ+ Fanbase into a Frenzy

    ‘M3GAN 2.0’ Trailer Drops Sending Her LGBTQ+ Fanbase into a Frenzy

    Following the teaser dropped during the Grammys, featuring the viral scene of M3GAN dancing to Chappell Roan‘s hit song “Femininomenon,” Blumhouse has released a new trailer for the upcoming horror film M3GAN 2.0. The sequel to the surprise 2023 horror hit brings back the killer doll for more thrills and terror. After M3GAN’s unexpected success, grossing over $180 million globally on a $12 million budget, her return is highly anticipated, and the new trailer shows her in a more vengeful light.

    M3GAN has developed a massive and devoted following, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Her mix of campy humor, sharp wit, and killer dance moves has made her an unlikely but beloved queer icon. Fans have embraced M3GAN’s unapologetic personality and the film’s darkly comedic take on horror, with the doll becoming a symbol of empowerment and nonconformity for many. As her cult status grows, M3GAN continues to break boundaries, becoming a fixture in queer pop culture.

    Plot Details and New Challenges

    In M3GAN 2.0, the story follows Gemma (played by Allison Williams), the now well-regarded author of a book advocating for government oversight of artificial intelligence. However, her peaceful life is disrupted when she and her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw), uncover that M3GAN’s technology has been repurposed into a military-grade weapon called Amelia. The story turns to a new moral dilemma as Gemma must make the difficult choice to bring M3GAN back to life in order to stop Amelia’s destructive path. As the stakes rise, Gemma is forced to confront the consequences of her own creation and her complicated relationship with AI.

    The Expanding M3GAN Universe

    The M3GAN franchise isn’t stopping with the sequel. Blumhouse and Atomic Monster are also working on a M3GAN spinoff movie titled Soulm8te, which is scheduled for release on January 2, 2026. The film is described as an erotic thriller centered around a man who acquires an artificially intelligent android to cope with the loss of his wife. In his attempt to create a sentient partner, he inadvertently turns his lovebot into a deadly soulmate. This new addition to the M3GAN universe promises to explore more sinister territory and expand on the themes of AI and human interaction.

    M3GAN 2.0 releases in theaters on June 27. Watch the trailer below.

  • Chappell Roan Becomes First Artist Since Beyoncé to Debut at #1 on the Country Charts

    Chappell Roan Becomes First Artist Since Beyoncé to Debut at #1 on the Country Charts

    Chappell Roan has achieved even more success with her new song, “The Giver,” debuting at #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and claiming the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. This milestone makes Roan the first artist since Beyoncé to achieve such a feat, with Beyoncé also debuting at #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2023 with “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

    Chart-Topping Success

    Roan’s achievement marks her third top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, following the success of “Good Luck, Babe!” which peaked at #4 last year, and “Pink Pony Club,” which reached #7 earlier this month and is currently ranked #9. “The Giver” also makes its debut in the top 40, marking Roan’s first-ever appearance at such a high level on the Hot 100.

     

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    A Historic Debut

    With “The Giver” claiming the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart, Roan becomes just the third woman ever to debut at #1 with her first-ever entry on the chart. The only other women to achieve this are pop icons Bebe Rexha, who hit #1 in 2017 with “Meant to Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line, and Beyoncé with her 2023 debut of “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

    Hot 100 Updates

    Meanwhile, on the Hot 100, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration, “luther,” holds steady at #1 for its fifth consecutive week. In other chart news, Doechii’s “Anxiety,” which samples Gotye’s 2012 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” becomes her first top 10 hit on the Hot 100.

    Chappell Roan’s remarkable debut further cements her place in music history as she continues to break boundaries and blaze new trails across genres.

  • Chappell Roan Dishes on Dating, Sex, and Preferences in ‘Call Her Daddy’ Interview

    Chappell Roan Dishes on Dating, Sex, and Preferences in ‘Call Her Daddy’ Interview

    Pop singer Chappell Roan, the 2025 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist, recently opened up about her love life and sexual preferences in a candid interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alex Cooper.

    Alex Cooper and Chappell Roan on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast.
    Chappell Roan on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast.

    Roan Reveals Relationship

    During an earnest conversation about the importance of being single, Cooper asked Roan if she was currently single. Roan surprised Cooper by revealing she has been dating someone for six months.

    “No,” Roan answered, prompting laughter from both.

    Roan clarified that the relationship is serious and not casual.

    “I’m very in love… but I am pro-single. Everyone should be single,” Roan said. “Have a great time alone. Find out for yourself if you can a hundred percent be okay alone before you date.”

    Chappell Roan on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast.
    Chappell Roan on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast.

    Roan also shared that she was dating the same person before her rise to fame.

    “I haven’t dated someone since this all really, really blew up,” Roan told Cooper. “I’m dating the same person that I was dating before I got [famous].”

    Roan expressed concern about dating new people after gaining recognition.

    “I’m not sure how I would date [a new person] now. I think it’d actually be a nightmare. I think I would be so single right now, because you’re terrified of their intentions. I’m scared. I don’t trust anyone. I just think, in my head, any new person that I’m texting, I’m like, ‘I’m assuming they will screenshot this and send it to someone else,’” Roan explained.

    Roan’s Preferences and Candid Discussion

    Roan also engaged in a frank discussion about her sexual preferences. She contrasted oral sex on men with oral sex on women, stating that the latter is “way, way easier.”

    “When I started hooking up with women, I realized how easy it is, actually. I realized how easy it is to eat a girl out, and how this whole time I thought it was, ‘Oh, your neck hurts so bad.’ I thought, ‘Oh… it’s, like, hard. My jaw hurts.’ You know what’s hard? Sucking dick,” Roan declared.

    She further elaborated on the differences, adding: “Eating a girl out? You can lay down!”

    Alex Cooper and Chappell Roan on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast.
    Alex Cooper and Chappell Roan on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast.

    Roan also addressed the topic of anal sex, stating her willingness to “peg” partners.

    “But when I started hooking up with women, I was like, ‘Fuck you guys.’ This is enjoyable, first of all. Second of all: [It’s] way, way easier. It’s actually fucking crazy. So what, you can’t find the clit? Work harder. It may take 10 minutes longer. That’s fine.”

    The interview continued with a rapid-fire question round.

    Rapid-Fire Questions

    The interview concluded with a rapid-fire question round. Cooper’s quick questions and Roan’s candid answers covered a range of topics:

    • Cooper: “Do you like to give first, or receive first, with your partner?” Roan: “Give first.”
    • When asked about public displays of affection (PDA), Roan was strongly against it, saying, “Don’t fucking do that. Don’t, actually. Legit don’t. I just got, like, really stressed out.”
    • Regarding communication, Roan expressed a preference for both FaceTime and phone calls, stating, “I like both! I feel like a lot of Gen Z is just FaceTime instead of call, but I like both.”
    • Roan stated she prefers late-night sex over morning sex, answering “Late night. Late night.”
    • She also shared that she prefers to make the first move in relationships, replying, “Make the first move.”
    • When asked about past experiences, Roan said she enjoyed both drunk and high sex, but would likely choose high sex now that she doesn’t drink, answering, “God, both are awesome. But I’d probably have high sex now.”
    • Regarding sex toys, Roan said she does not prefer “rabbits,” stating, “I do not fuck with rabbits. I don’t fuck with like a lot of them, honestly.”
    • When Cooper asked about a specific pulsating clitoral stimulator, Roan responded enthusiastically, indicating she was familiar with the device. Cooper described it as “the one that like pulsates and it’s like the ‘womanizer’ thing?” Roan responded with an excited, “Yes!”

    The “Call Her Daddy” podcast featuring Chappell Roan is available on all podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube.

  • Chappell Roan Turns Wardrobe Malfunction into Fashion Moment at Paris Fashion Week

    Chappell Roan Turns Wardrobe Malfunction into Fashion Moment at Paris Fashion Week

    Chappell Roan is taking a wardrobe mishap in stride after a cheeky incident at Paris Fashion Week. The singer, known for her hit “Pink Pony Club,” shared a series of photos from her time at the iconic event, describing it as “a dream come true.”

    Roan, who attended several shows during Fashion Week, expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking designers Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen for inviting her.

    “Thank you @ludovicdesaintsernin + @viviennewestwood @alexandermcqueen for having me,” she wrote in the post.

    But among the images was one that gave a little more insight into Roan’s experience than fans might have expected. In the fifth photo of the carousel, Roan is seen looking over her shoulder while a rip in the back of her dress reveals her thong.

    Fans quickly took to social media to support the singer, with one user commenting on X, “This dress didn’t break, it evolved.” Another follower added, “This is not a malfunction, this is a masterpiece in the making.”

    The wardrobe incident appeared to happen after the Ludovic de Saint Sernin show, but it didn’t seem to dampen Roan’s excitement about the event. In fact, the singer’s positive attitude remained intact, and she continued to enjoy the glamorous atmosphere of Fashion Week.

    The designer behind the dress, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, seemed to take the mishap in good humor, leaving a supportive comment on Roan’s post. “I love you SO much, can’t believe I didn’t get to give you a hug backstage, we need a redo!!!” the official Instagram account wrote. “You looked INCREDIBLE.”

    In an unexpected twist, rapper Ice Spice, who was seated next to Roan at the Vivienne Westwood show, revealed that she too had experienced a similar wardrobe malfunction. Sharing Roan’s photo on her own Instagram Stories, Ice Spice wrote, “Mine ripped in the same spot.”

    Despite the mishap, Roan’s attitude remained upbeat, and the event only added to the fun and excitement of her time at Paris Fashion Week. The singer’s grace and humor in handling the situation have only endeared her to fans further, proving that even a wardrobe malfunction can’t ruin a dream experience at one of the fashion world’s biggest events.

  • Gabby Windey and Robby Hoffman Tie the Knot in a Secret Vegas Wedding Amid California Wildfire Escape

    Gabby Windey and Robby Hoffman Tie the Knot in a Secret Vegas Wedding Amid California Wildfire Escape

    Gabby Windey, star of The Traitors, and her girlfriend, comedian Robby Hoffman, have tied the knot in a secret wedding held on January 11, 2025, in Las Vegas. The couple’s intimate ceremony comes after they fled their California home due to wildfires, finding refuge in the Nevada city.

    In an interview with Cosmopolitan on March 5, Windey shared the details of their spontaneous wedding. “Literally cue Rihanna, ‘We found love in a hopeless place,’” she said, reflecting on the events that led to the quick decision to marry. Windey and Hoffman had smelled smoke from nearby wildfires while at home, prompting them to evacuate with their cat, a cherished painting by Hoffman’s grandfather, and Windey’s podcasting equipment. After reaching the safety of Las Vegas, Windey proposed the idea of marriage to Hoffman.

    “Robby was literally ready to propose three weeks in, and I’m always the one pumping the brakes, but when something feels right, it just feels right,” Windey explained. She admitted that it was ultimately her idea to tie the knot, making the proposal more meaningful. Hoffman popped the question the next morning with a mini-crossword puzzle, and the couple wed in the same chapel where Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker had exchanged vows. They walked down the aisle to the song “HOT TO GO” by Chappell Roan.

    Hoffman announced the marriage on Instagram, sharing a post that read, “Ya boy off market for life. I love my wife.” The two had gone public with their relationship in August 2023, when Windey surprised the hosts on The View by revealing she was dating Hoffman. At the time, many were surprised by the pairing, given Hoffman’s reputation as a no-nonsense figure in the comedy world, often known for her curmudgeonly persona.

     

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    “I know it seems to people we’re so different, but it gels,” Hoffman told Cosmopolitan. “We have the same core.” Windey echoed similar sentiments, adding, “People are like, ‘How does it feel after you’re married? Does it feel the same?’ And the answer is, honestly, no — it feels better. I feel more committed. This is my wife.”

    Despite their unique personalities, the couple’s relationship has been a surprising yet perfect match. The secret Las Vegas wedding marks a new chapter in their journey together, one that began under the most unexpected of circumstances. As Windey continues her journey on The Traitors and Hoffman thrives in the comedy scene, the two are now happily married, committed to each other and ready for whatever the future holds.

  • Chappell Roan Joins Elton John for Duet at Oscars Viewing Party

    Chappell Roan Joins Elton John for Duet at Oscars Viewing Party

    Pop music icon Sir Elton John and rising star Chappell Roan shared an unforgettable moment Sunday night at his annual Oscars viewing party, which raised over $8.6 million for his AIDS Foundation.

    Roan, a Midwest native and a rising force in pop music, was the special guest at this year’s event, held in West Hollywood Park. The night, dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and mental health services, saw Roan perform several songs, including her hit “Hot To Go,” as well as a cover of John’s classic ballad “Your Song.”

    John, who was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, joined Roan for a heartfelt duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” a highlight of the evening. Before the performance ended, Roan presented John with a pink cowboy hat, expressing her gratitude for his longstanding support of the queer community.

    “You have sacrificed so much for the queer community, and you made it so I can be the artist I can be,” Roan said, as captured in video from the event. “So thank you so much.”

    John shared a clip of the duet on his Instagram, calling the performance “nothing short of magical.” He reflected on the spirit of the night, writing, “For one night, we transformed West Hollywood Park into our own Pink Pony Club — a space filled with love and community, where everyone can be unapologetically themselves.”

     

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    A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)

    The event, which brought together stars from the music, film, and fashion industries, was a major fundraising success, raising over $8.6 million, according to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The funds will go toward providing life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support to vulnerable communities worldwide.

    David Furnish, John’s husband and the chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, praised the event’s success, thanking attendees and donors for their generosity. “Because of your generosity, we were able to celebrate with purpose, helping communities around the world access life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support,” Furnish said in a statement.

    Roan’s performance with John marked a powerful moment for both artists, who share a deep connection to the LGBTQ community. Fans took to social media, sharing their emotional reactions to the duet, particularly highlighting the significance of the two artists—one a veteran of the industry and the other an emerging talent—coming together for a shared cause.

    One fan on TikTok expressed admiration for the moment, writing, “The way he’s watching her with so much pride—like, yeah, dude, you helped pave the way for this. Can’t imagine how emotional he must feel.”

    Another Twitter user, posting on X, wrote, “You just know as a queer elder, Elton John is so happy to see how far our community has come since he was her age, and to see Chappell dominating music makes his heart so happy.”

    The event, which featured performances, celebrity appearances, and an auction, underscored the ongoing need for support and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. John’s annual viewing party continues to be one of the most significant fundraising events in the entertainment world, combining star power with a powerful cause.

    As Roan continues to rise in the music world, her duet with Elton John serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made by the LGBTQ community, while also honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

  • Rebecca Black Embraces Her Queer Identity and Personal Growth with New Dance Pop Project ‘SALVATION’

    Rebecca Black Embraces Her Queer Identity and Personal Growth with New Dance Pop Project ‘SALVATION’

    Rebecca Black is no longer the 13-year-old who went viral with “Friday.” Now, at 27, the queer pop artist is confidently embracing her identity and celebrating her growth with the release of SALVATION, her first new music since 2023’s Let Her Burn. The seven-song dance-pop project marks a bold step forward for Black, showcasing her evolution both as an artist and an individual.

    Black has long been a champion of queer pop, and she’s thrilled to see more queer artists like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Doechii reaching mainstream success. In an interview with Out Magazine, “I definitely have a gay superiority complex myself, so I’ve always known there was so much potential in these artists,” Black says. “It would be really depressing if you were only digestible to other gay people because gay people have digested so much hetero content over the years and found so much resonance within it.”

    With SALVATION, Black aims to create the kind of party music any 27-year-old would dream of. The tracks are brash, cocky, fun, and full of energy—perfect for listeners looking for an escape in a world that can often feel joyless. Yet, there’s a maturity to the project as well, with introspective songs like “Salvation” and “Do You Even Think About Me” reflecting on Black’s personal journey.

     

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    For Black, this project represents a new chapter in her career, one where she can unapologetically own who she is. “I actually felt like I knew so many people so well because of whatever imperfections they allowed me to see,” she shares. “I realized how little I was allowing everybody else to see [me]. So, really it’s just a matter of taking the leash off of myself… and allowing myself to act like a 27-year-old for the first time in my life.”

    After years of dealing with public scrutiny over her body and sexuality, Black now fully embraces her identity. Early in her career, as a teenager, she was forced to navigate online body-shaming and unrealistic expectations. But now, with SALVATION, Black has found a new level of comfort in her body and sexuality. “Once I started doing it on my terms in a way that I felt really beautiful and in a way that was sometimes even outlandishly sexy or campy, that was where I started to find a comfortability in my body that I’d never had before,” she says. “That has become such a source of power for me.”

    This newfound confidence shines through on tracks like “TRUST!” and “Sugar Water Cyanide,” which exude a sense of empowerment. Black’s journey to self-acceptance also informs the emotional depth of SALVATION, as she reflects on her past while looking toward the future.

    Having spent over a decade in the music industry, Black is no longer constrained by other people’s expectations. She cherishes the opportunity to experiment with her music and lyrics, relishing the feeling of starting anew. “I really cherish the feeling of starting over, or learning again,” she says. “There’s a whole new book to this that I haven’t really come across yet.”

    This new chapter is not just about the music, but about Black’s personal evolution. She’s no longer prioritizing others’ opinions over her own. “I’ve, for so long, felt so comfortable in prioritizing other people’s opinions of me above my own,” she admits. “This album really was me… starting to confront that and allow myself the freedom to fail and flail.”

    Despite her transformation, Black isn’t ready to let go of the song that made her famous. When asked about whether she’ll retire “Friday” from her live shows, she teases, “This year I have plans for it that I think will be a little bit different from what people might expect.”

    With SALVATION and her continued personal growth, Black is poised to leave her viral past behind and embrace a future that is unapologetically her own.