LGBT Music News & Features | GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/category/music/ Amplifying queer voices. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:46:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 “What a DILF”: Ricky Martin’s shirtless thirst trap leaves fans craving more https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/what-a-dilf-ricky-martins-shirtless-thirst-trap-leaves-fans-craving-more/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:24:49 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1452383 Ricky Martin’s latest thirst trap has left little to the imagination. On 30 September, the music icon took to his Instagram Story to share a selfie with his 18.9 million…

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Ricky Martin’s latest thirst trap has left little to the imagination.

On 30 September, the music icon took to his Instagram Story to share a selfie with his 18.9 million followers.

In the snap, Martin flashes a cheeky smile as he poses in what looks to be a lavish bathroom. However, the most popular aspect of the photo is the beloved singer’s, err, shirtless appearance… 

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long for Martin’s steamy snapshot to appear on other social media platforms, such as X/Twitter, which resulted in a stream of thirsty reactions from fans.

“This man been fine my whole life,” one user commented, while another fan tweeted: “He bangs, he bangs!”

A third Ricky Martin enthusiast joked: “I HATE NDAs. But, I will sign.”

The Grammy winner’s recent shirtless story comes a few weeks after he broke the internet with his saucy pre-VMAs wardrobe malfunction.

On 7 September, Martin posted a carousel of behind-the-scenes images on Instagram as he prepared for the 2025 ceremony, where he was honoured with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.

The carousel ranges from Martin shirtless, trying to fix his trousers, to fully immersed in hair and makeup — wrapped only in a towel.

His caption read: “Lots of laughter, friends and even a little wardrobe malfunction (I can sew if need be by the way). Lots of make up and grooming and friends around!

“It’s gonna be a very special day. Thank you, @danielavesco, for documenting it all this morning. Don’t forget to watch @vmas tonight.”

 

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In addition to receiving the Latin Icon Award at the 2025 VMAs, Martin performed a medley of his biggest hits, including international chart-toppers’ Livin’ la Vida Loca’ and ‘María’, as well as his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Maluma, ‘Vente Pa’ Ca’.

Since his 1991 debut, Martin has become one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, moving over 70 million records and earning the title “King of Latin Pop.”

He has achieved 11 number-ones on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and won two Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammys, five VMAs, three Latin American Music Awards, and more.

As an actor, Martin received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Antonio D’Amico in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018) and as Robert Diaz in Apple TV+’s period dramedy Palm Royale (2024–present), which returns for a second season this November.

Watch his 2025 VMAs medley below.

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The Perfect Celebrity: Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball is the ultimate pop spectacle https://www.gaytimes.com/music/lady-gaga-mayhem-ball-london-review/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:28:56 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1452124 Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM Ball has finally hit London, giving the gays everything they want and need – and it couldn’t arrive at a bigger moment in her career. Her acclaimed…

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Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM Ball has finally hit London, giving the gays everything they want and need – and it couldn’t arrive at a bigger moment in her career.

Her acclaimed album MAYHEM has dominated the charts and earned widespread praise. Her Grammy-winning collaboration with Bruno Mars, ‘Die With A Smile,’ continues to break all-time records, while ‘Abracadabra’ still ranks as the most-streamed solo song by a female artist this year.

Gaga also headlined Coachella and drew an estimated 2.5 million attendees at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, making history as the largest free concert by a female artist. So, naturally, news of an accompanying tour was met with rapturous applause from fans.

The MAYHEM Ball, spanning 87 shows, stormed across the United States and Canada throughout July, August and September before landing in London on 29 September.

As 20,000 Little Monsters descended on the iconic O2 Arena for the first date of her four-night residency, Gaga took fans on a journey through some of her biggest hits – as well as deep cuts and fan-favourites from across her glittering 17-year career.

Audiences can expect everything from 2008’s ‘Just Dance’ to 2025’s ‘Abracadabra’ in an action-packed, 2.5-hour, 30-song, five-act spectacular that will keep you on your feet from start to finish. Bending genre and defying convention, Lady Gaga has continued to prove she is a master of her craft as a live performer.

As theatrical and visually sumptuous as ever, the show opened with Act I: Of Velvet and Vice. A short film saw both Mother Monster and the Mistress of Mayhem, each played with relish by Gaga herself, reading out their manifesto, the dark, swirling prologue declaring: “The chaos in your heart will never cease.” From that moment, we were plunged into a gothic fairytale rock opera.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Live Nation

Gaga emerged for ‘Bloody Mary’, clad in an Elizabethan-inspired gown that split open to reveal a cage of dancers within, before ‘Abracadabra’ drove the crowd wild. Hearing the future Grammy winning anthem transition into ‘Judas’ live is an experience few will forget. As if her soaring vocals weren’t enough, the superstar reminded us she can also play guitar with an electrifying rendition of ‘Garden of Eden’.

After that heart-pounding introduction, Act II: And She Fell into a Gothic Dream plunged the audience into a sandbox-turned-grave as Gaga belted out ‘Perfect Celebrity’, surrounded by dancing skeletons, before tearing through a rightfully extended version of ‘Disease’. At that point, I realised this might be the closest I’ll ever get to a rock concert (until Beyoncé drops Act III, of course…).

The show, as Lady Gaga has proven throughout her time in the spotlight, was truly a sanctuary for the LGBTQIA+ community. During her performance of ‘Paparazzi’, the singer donned a cape lit up in the colours of the Pride flag before diving into arguably her campest hits, ‘LoveGame’ and ‘Alejandro’.

@gaytimes We love you, Mother Monster! Lady Gaga celebrates the LGBTQ+ community at the opening night of The MAYHEM Ball Tour at London’s O2 Arena 🌈 #ladygaga #mayhem #ladygagaedit #mothermonster #ladygagafan ♬ original sound – GAY TIMES

Act III: The Beautiful Nightmare That Knows Her Name saw Gaga return to the darker aesthetic and deliciously maximalist tint that has come to define the MAYHEM era. ‘Killah’ was a standout here, Gaga’s bold delivery rattling the walls of the O2.

Then came the earlier-than-usual performance of ‘The Dead Dance’, one of the night’s many surprises, with Gaga’s Wednesday co-stars Emma Myers and Evie Templeton joining her onstage for a gloriously camp recreation of their Nevermore Venetian Gala dance. It was camp, spooky and utterly joyous.

The concert’s penultimate Act IV: Every Chessboard Has Two Queens delivered a tender change of pace, pivoting towards themes of community and identity, with the set melting into twinkling lights as Gaga took to the piano.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Live Nation

Before launching into ‘Shadow of a Man’, the visibly emotional songstress told the crowd: “My first big arena show was in the UK… thank you for believing in me then.” Reflecting on her almost 20-year career, she asked: “If I come back 20 years from now, will you come to the show?” before assuring teary-eyed fans that she’s here to stay: “I’m just gonna roll up with a keyboard and I’ll be playing on the street… I’ll be here no matter what!”

That reflective energy carried into a stunning performance of ‘Born This Way’. “You are so special, and so beautiful, in every way. And I bet you didn’t need me to tell you that, did you? You already knew!” Gaga told the crowd. Though the song has become synonymous with Pride parades and can sometimes feel overplayed, witnessing it live – surrounded by thousands of queer fans – was transcendent. I couldn’t help but think of my closeted 13-year-old self, who once found so much comfort and hope in it.

By now, you’ve likely seen it across your feed: Lady Gaga then gifted fans a moving piano performance of ‘Speechless’, her first live rendition since 2017 (and we don’t know why, the song was deservedly included on Billboard’s list of the 100 Best Deep Cuts by 21st Century Pop Stars), and its return did not disappoint.

@gaytimes We’re not crying, you are! Lady Gaga performed ‘Speechless’ for the first time since 2017 at the first London show of The MAYHEM Ball ❤️ #ladygaga #speechless #mayhem #gaga #concert ♬ original sound – GAY TIMES

By the time Finale: The Eternal Aria of the Monster Heart arrived, the O2 had screamed, danced, and wept – but the show wasn’t over yet. ‘Bad Romance’ ripped the roof off the arena, soaring into a jaw-dropping crescendo. If it didn’t look so ugly on the page, I’d write the rest of this review in all caps – it really was that incredible.

As the credits rolled and Gaga left the stage, fans had a brief moment to breathe before the screen lit up once more and a much more casual artist appeared. Backstage, with her makeup and wig off, wearing a beanie and sweatshirt, Gaga strutted back into the arena and closed the show with ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’. While social media may undersell this low-key finale, believe me: as tempting as it was to leave early to avoid the tube crush, this moment made staying worth it.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Live Nation

Did I cry? YES. Did I scream? YES. Was I on my feet the whole time? ABSOLUTELY. Who else is doing it like Gaga? Nobody. This wasn’t just another pop show – this was the pop show.

Seventeen years into her career, this feels both like a celebration of everything fans have come to love about Gaga and the beginning of a new peak in the Grammy winner’s already historic career. It’s also clear that she’s loving every second. Part concert, part performance art, The MAYHEM Ball is a resurrection, a reinvention, and a reminder that Lady Gaga is still at the very top of her game.

GAY TIMES rating: ★★★★★

Lady Gaga continues The MAYHEM Ball in London until 4 October, before heading to Manchester from 7-8 October. Find out more and grab your tickets here.

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Khalid’s new music video features his first gay love interest: ‘This is me, fully liberated’ https://www.gaytimes.com/music/khalid-out-of-body-video-gay-love-interest/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:11:30 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451975 Khalid is “fully liberated” in the music video for his new single, ‘Out of Body’. The second release from his new album, the club-friendly, Darkchild-produced anthem blends 00s R&B and…

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Khalid is “fully liberated” in the music video for his new single, ‘Out of Body’.

The second release from his new album, the club-friendly, Darkchild-produced anthem blends 00s R&B and dance influences. Lyrically, Khalid yearns so intensely for a love interest that he feels “out of body.”

Directed by Levi Turner, the accompanying video sees Khalid and his troupe performing sultry choreography on a dimly lit street, before he and his first-ever on-screen gay love interest take their teasing to a public toilet.

In a statement, Khalid said: “This is me in my fully liberated element.”

‘Out of Body’ follows ‘In Plain Sight’ as the second single from his fourth album, After the Sun Goes Down, which is due for release on 10 October.

Khalid previously said the album is “about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely”, adding: “I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally.”

This new era marks Khalid’s first since publicly coming out as gay. He confirmed his sexuality in November 2024 after being outed, telling fans: “And the world still continues to turn… I am not ashamed of my sexuality.”

 

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Earlier this year, Khalid performed at his first-ever Pride event – where the support from the audience moved him to tears – and opened up to Billboard about the “freedom that comes from knowing I can just be myself and still be embraced and appreciated”.

“That doesn’t change because the world finds out I’m gay,” he told the publication. “Because I don’t change because the world finds out I’m gay.”⁠

From his 2016 debut ‘Location’ to now, Khalid has cemented himself as a streaming juggernaut.

Ten of his songs have surpassed a billion Spotify streams, most notably the 3.4-billion-stream megahit ‘Lovely’ with Billie Eilish.

His catalogue of hits also boasts ‘Eastside’ (benny blanco and Halsey), ‘Silence’, ‘Better’, ‘Young Dumb & Broke’, ‘Talk’ (Disclosure), and ‘Love Lies’ (Normani).

Watch the music video for ‘Out of Body’ below.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

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Girl Violence and lesbian chaos: King Princess gets candid in her Gay Times cover debut https://www.gaytimes.com/originals/king-princess-gay-times-cover-interview/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:50:00 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451809 From Girl Violence to her “miserable bottom” brand, not to mention the Christine Baranski romance rumours, King Princess spills all in her Gay Times cover debut. The singer-songwriter, born Mikaela…

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From Girl Violence to her “miserable bottom” brand, not to mention the Christine Baranski romance rumours, King Princess spills all in her Gay Times cover debut.

The singer-songwriter, born Mikaela Mullaney Straus, has just released her third studio album, aforementioned Girl Violence, months after making her acting debut in Prime Video’s Nine Perfect Strangers alongside Baranski, Nicole Kidman, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Murray Bartlett.

Led by singles such as ‘Cry Cry Cry’ and ‘RIP KP’, the raw and emotionally-charged album dives into destruction, uncertainty and the layered complexities of lesbian relationships. As she tells Gay Times: “All we’ve seen [in media] is the tragedy of lesbianism.

“There is very seldom a happy ending for us. Because of that, society has given us the blueprint on how we should love. I feel like we have replicated it because it’s become our truth. I felt that love was only love if it was extremely painful.

“So, the record shows that I’m sometimes the perpetrator, sometimes it’s about friendships, sex and love. If I can go through all the channels of it, then I can make an effective record about the experience of being a hectic lesbian.”

In recent weeks, the close bond between King Princess and her Nine Perfect Strangers co-star Christine Baranski has gone viral, with the duo serving major lesbian power couple energy as they held hands at the Mamma Mia! Broadway re-opening in NYC.

King Princess confirms that the Emmy-winning icon is her “bestie”, calling her “an incredible light in my life.”

“We had this bond on Nine Perfect Strangers, and we’ve just stayed friends,” she says. “What a fun vibe. We go to Broadway shows. We go to dinner. We talk shit. We hang out. She’s the best.”

In her interview, King Princess dives deeper into Girl Violence – her “summation of queer love up to this point” – explains why she weighed in on the recent Betty Who controversy, and teases her future as a Hollywood actor.

Read the interview in full here.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

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London and Amsterdam Gay Men’s Choruses reunite for Together Again! concert https://www.gaytimes.com/performance/london-and-amsterdam-gay-mens-choruses-reunite-for-together-again-concert/ Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:15:53 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451338 Who doesn’t love a good reunion show? Back in 2017, the London Gay Men’s Chorus travelled to Amsterdam for a joint concert with the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus, called Together.…

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Who doesn’t love a good reunion show? Back in 2017, the London Gay Men’s Chorus travelled to Amsterdam for a joint concert with the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus, called Together. Eight years on from then – and to mark the 10th birthday of the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus – the two groups will be reuniting for a new concert, Together Again!, which is taking place at Conway Hall in London later this month.

The show promises to be a celebration of friendship, community and joy, bringing together gay, bi and queer men from these two cities which both have fierce and fabulous LGBTQ+ histories.

Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus chair José Luzardo said: “In our 10th anniversary year, we’re honoured and excited to be joining the London Gay Men’s Chorus on stage for this joint concert. Our chorus brings together gay, bi and queer men from more than 30 countries, and they all share a love of music, dance and having a place to be themselves. Taking a trip across the North Sea to perform with our LGMC friends represents a big milestone for our chorus, which has grown considerably since we first performed together in Amsterdam in 2017. We can’t wait to perform this uplifting programme together!”

London Gay Men’s Chorus chair Martin Brophy added: “So happy to join our voices in song and celebration with Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus – together again, stronger together.”

The Together Again! concerts, hosted by drag artist Matron, will take place at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London on Saturday 27th September, with performances at 4pm and 7pm.

Tickets and more information can be found here.

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Madonna will release Confessions on a Dance Floor 2 in 2026 https://www.gaytimes.com/music/madonna-will-release-confessions-on-a-dance-floor-2-in-2026/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:04:22 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451212 Madonna is set to release the sequel to one of her most beloved records – and one of the most acclaimed albums of the 21st century. On Thursday (18 September),…

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Madonna is set to release the sequel to one of her most beloved records – and one of the most acclaimed albums of the 21st century.

On Thursday (18 September), the Queen of Pop confirmed that her new album will arrive in 2026 and will serve as a follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor.

She has also re-signed with Warner Records, almost two decades after parting ways with the label.

“From being a struggling artist in New York City to signing a record deal to release just three singles, it seemed at the time my world would never be the same again and in fact that couldn’t have been truer,” Madonna said in a statement.

“Since the beginning, Warner Records has been a real partner with me. I am happy to be reunited and look forward to the future, making music, doing the unexpected while perhaps provoking a few needed conversations.”

On social media, she also wrote: “Back to music. Back to the Dance Floor. Back to where it all began! COADF – P. 2. 2026.”

Madonna first teased the project in February, writing on Instagram: “My Valentine’s Day gift to all my fans is to let you know I’m putting my heart and soul into my new music, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Confessions Part 2.”

The singer will once again collaborate with acclaimed producer Stuart Price, who helmed the original Confessions. The record, Madonna’s 10th, drew inspiration from 70s disco and produced global chart-toppers including ‘Hung Up’, ‘Sorry’, ‘Get Together’ and ‘Jump’.

 

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It has reportedly sold over 10 million copies, ranking among the best-selling albums of the 21st century and served as yet another reinvention that reinforced Madonna’s status as the queen of longevity.

Confessions 2 will be Madonna’s first album since 2019’s Madame X.

Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuk, co-chairmen of Warner Records, said: “We are honored to welcome Madonna back home to Warner Records. Madonna isn’t just an artist — she’s the blueprint, the rule-breaker, the ultimate cultural juggernaut.

“For decades, she has not only defined the sound of global pop music but also reshaped culture itself with her vision, innovation, and fearless artistry.

“This signing represents a historic, full circle moment, one that brings her back to the label where it all began and reaffirms her unparalleled influence, setting the stage for an exciting new era of creativity and impact.”

Revisit Confessions on a Dance Floor below with the record-breaking hit, ‘Hung Up’.

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Lil Nas X enters a treatment facility following his August arrest https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/lil-nas-x-enters-a-treatment-facility-following-his-august-arrest/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:39:08 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451093 Lil Nas X has entered an out-of-state treatment facility following his arrest last month. The news was announced by the singer’s legal representation during his court hearing on Monday (15…

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Lil Nas X has entered an out-of-state treatment facility following his arrest last month.

The news was announced by the singer’s legal representation during his court hearing on Monday (15 September).

According to Rolling Stone, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Shellie Samuels approved Lil Nas X’s absence, revealing that she had adjusted the terms of his release to fall in line with his out-of-state care.

“Defendant is allowed to remain out of state as long as he remains in treatment. [If his] treatment changes, and he becomes an outpatient, then we’ll talk,” Samuels added.

In addition to adjusting the terms of the rapper’s release, the judge sealed off the details regarding his treatment.

Following the court hearing, one of Lil Nas X’s lawyers, Drew Findling, shared a statement to reporters about the new development.

“You heard the “treatment” word. We’re doing what is best for Montero from a personal standpoint and professional standpoint, but most importantly, for his well-being,” Findling said.

“He is surrounded by an amazing family, an amazing team of people that care about him and love him. And we’re just addressing those issues. It’s really as simple as that. He’s had a great life, and he’ll continue to have a great life. This is a bump that he’s going to get over.”

The recent news comes a few weeks after the ‘That’s What I Want’ singer – whose real name is Montero Hill – made headlines for his arrest and hospitalisation.

Before being taken into custody, Lil Nas X was spotted wandering along Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, around 4 am on 21 August, per TMZ.

In a video obtained by the news outlet, he was shown wearing a pair of underwear and cowboy boots, walking down the street while telling an unidentified person to “not be late to the party tonight” and to put the phone down.

Details were limited on how long he had been walking and what may have caused his behaviour.

However, the aforementioned publication revealed that he was later arrested for charging at responding police officers, before being transported to the hospital on suspicion of a potential overdose.

On 25 August, the ‘HOTBOX’ rapper was released from jail on $75,000 bail.

The 26-year-old currently faces four felony charges: three for battery with injury to an officer and one for resisting arrest, with the latter carrying a fine and sentence of up to three years. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A day after his release, Lil Nas X took to his Instagram Story to share a brief update on the situation, assuring fans that he would be alright.

“Shit. That was f**king terrifying. That was terrifying. That was a terrifying last four days. But your girl is gonna be all right.”

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Let’s get ‘Dirrty’: Christina Aguilera takes over Grindr notifications with new collab https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/turn-on-your-ringer-christina-aguilera-to-take-over-grindr-notifications-in-new-partnership/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:25:09 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1451089 Music legend Christina Aguilera has teamed up with Grindr in the most unhinged and iconic way. On 15 September, the popular dating platform announced that the voice of Xtina would…

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Music legend Christina Aguilera has teamed up with Grindr in the most unhinged and iconic way.

On 15 September, the popular dating platform announced that the voice of Xtina would temporarily replace its staple ‘bloop’ notification.

Yes, you read that correctly: pop icon Christina Aguilera and her tremendous vocals will now notify US-based users when they receive new messages, taps, and other app notifications.

According to a press release, Grindr users who have their ringer on will hear a snippet from the singer’s platinum track ‘Come On Over Baby (All I Want is You).’

“We know the bloop is sacred. That’s why we’re only letting one of pop’s greatest diva’s mess with it – because there ain’t no other man, woman, or app sound that could do it better, the company said in a statement.

The move is in support of Xtina’s upcoming headline performance at the Portola Festival in San Francisco on 20 September.

In a statement, the Grammy-winning singer expressed excitement for the “spicy new partnership.

“Portola, Grinder and me? That’s a threesome I can get behind. When that ‘Come on Over sound hits at the festival, or wherever you’re celebrating, I hope things get spicy, she said.

 

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Xtina’s notification sound will be available to users in the US until 22 September.

2025 has been a busy year for Grindr. Over the past few months, the company has introduced a range of new features and changes to its app.

In August, the platform introduced its new Grindr Presents feature, allowing users to access original content directly within the app.

Now, the company’s popular entertainment offerings, such as the Katya-hosted Who’s The Asshole podcast, the viral Daddy Lessons series, editorials, music drops, and more, will all be available via an in-app content hub.

In addition to making it easier for user to access their content, Grindr revealed that all of it will be uncensored, so say goodbye to the unwanted bleeps and hello to Katya and friends’ uncut and profanity-filled interviews.

 

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Lastly, the social media company teased that Grindr Presents isn’t a one-off decision; instead, it’s a “bigger shift into “making Grindr not just where the gays are, but where the culture is.”

A few months prior,  Grindr announced an expansion of its new Right Now feature – first implemented in Australia and the greater Washington D.C. area in 2024.

The intent-based option enables users seeking an immediate connection to upload text and photos to a real-time feed, separate from the main grid.

In a statement, AJ Balance, the Chief Product Officer at Grindr, provided insight into the new feature, stating that it “empowers users to find exactly what they want, when they want it – without the guesswork.

“We built this intention-based feature based on feedback from our community so they can connect with like-minded people, without wasting time on mismatched expectations, he said.

“Too often, people start a conversation only realise they’re looking for different things – one person wants a date, the other a quick connection. Right Now makes it clear who’s available and what they’re looking for, in real-time.”

For more information about Xtina’s upcoming Portola appearance, click here.

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Steps musical Here & Now is a fun, feel-good and fabulous night out – review https://www.gaytimes.com/performance/steps-musical-here-now-is-a-fun-feel-good-and-fabulous-night-out-review/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:33:07 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1450747 Following its debut in Birmingham last year, Here & Now – the new musical based on Steps’ back catalogue – has embarked on a UK tour, opening last week at…

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Following its debut in Birmingham last year, Here & Now – the new musical based on Steps’ back catalogue – has embarked on a UK tour, opening last week at the Manchester Opera House. You’re probably already familiar with the songs – Steps’ music has been a staple of many a queer night and pride event for the best part of three decades – but what is the show all about?

This new musical – book by Shaun Kitchener, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh – is set in an English seaside town, with the action largely unfolding in a supermarket called Better Best Bargains (we see what they did there)… or more specifically in and amongst aisles 5, 6, 7 and 8 (we also see what they did there).

We’re introduced to co-workers and besties Caz (Rebecca Lock), Vel (Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson). At the opening of the show, it is two weeks until Caz’s 50th birthday; the quartet decide that they are going to use the two weeks productively, and make a pact to finally sort their love lives out. Cue two hours of being pushed outside of their comfort zones, with each character taking a chance on their own respective happy ending.

It’s not the deepest or most profound show, but then we weren’t expecting that. What Here & Now does very effectively is blend the every day with occasional moments of emotional depth; with the supermarket setting and the very ordinary dilemmas our characters find themselves in, it feels a bit like watching a soap – perhaps unsurprising, given that Shaun Kitchener has been a regular writer on Hollyoaks for the last few years.

Like any jukebox musical, the narrative has been written to fit the songs – in other shows this often feels somewhat forced, but for the most part it works here. Sure, one or two tunes are bit shoehorned in, but most of the time the lyrics work well with the story. The highlight is undoubtedly the truly inspired use of tender ballad ‘Heartbeat’; it’s reimagined in an entirely different light (we shan’t spoil it here) which provides the show’s most poignant moment – it’s really rather moving.

Speaking of the songs – what absolute bangers they are! Of all the back catalogues to choose, Steps’ music really lends itself well to a musical: they have countless upbeat tunes and plenty of choreography ready to go. Choreographer Matt Cole has done a fantastic job reimagining these iconic routines – it’s far from simply a copy/paste job, although there are plenty of references to the original moves in there. Highlights include the absolutely ridiculous ‘half price hoedown’ that accompanies ‘5, 6, 7, 8’, which we thought was one of most outlandish sequences we’d seen on stage until we witnessed RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway fronting a rendition of ‘Chain Reaction’, which is camper than any Rusical episode we’ve ever seen.

Each member of the cast absolutely holds their own, though we wanted to draw attention to Rebecca Lock in what is effectively the lead role of Caz – the musical hinges on her story, and she handles the majority of the lead vocals. Her voice is surprisingly reminiscent of Claire Richards – which of course works very well here.

We had a great time with Here & Now – no, it’s not high art, but were you expecting that from a jukebox musical based on Steps songs? We were expecting a fun, feel-good and fabulous night out, and that’s exactly what we got. If you’re a fan of Steps, or if you just fancy a hearty dose of escapism right now, this is the show for you.

GAY TIMES gives Here & Now – 4/5

Here & Now is touring the UK until May 2026; more information can be found here.

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Ricky Martin ignites thirst frenzy with VMAs “wardrobe malfunction” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/ricky-martin-thirst-vmas-wardrobe-malfunction/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:21:58 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1450559 Ricky Martin has shared some rather saucy snaps of a pre-VMAs wardrobe malfunction — and, naturally, the reaction was as thirst-filled as you’d expect. On 7 September, the legendary singer…

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Ricky Martin has shared some rather saucy snaps of a pre-VMAs wardrobe malfunction — and, naturally, the reaction was as thirst-filled as you’d expect.

On 7 September, the legendary singer posted a carousel of behind-the-scenes images on Instagram as he prepared for the 2025 ceremony, where he was honoured with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.

The carousel ranges from Martin shirtless, trying to fix his trousers, to fully immersed in hair and makeup — wrapped only in a towel.

His caption read: “Lots of laughter, friends and even a little wardrobe malfunction (I can sew if need be by the way). Lots of make up and grooming and friends around!

“It’s gonna be a very special day. Thank you @danielavesco for documenting it all this morning. Don’t forget to watch @vmas tonight.”

Drag Race icon Tatianna simply wrote, “Yes,” while other responses ranged from “Good lord, man, what is your secret?” to “Papi!”, as well as gifs of the thirsty variety – including one of Samantha Jones from Sex and the City gawking at a man in admiration.

 

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In addition to receiving the Latin Icon Award at the 2025 VMAs, Martin performed a medley of his biggest hits, including international chart-toppers ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ and ‘María’, as well as his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Maluma, ‘Vente Pa’ Ca’.

Since his 1991 debut, Martin has become one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, moving over 70 million records and earning the title “King of Latin Pop.”

He has achieved 11 number-ones on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and won two Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammys, five VMAs, three Latin American Music Awards, and more.

As an actor, Martin received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Antonio D’Amico in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018) and as Robert Diaz in Apple TV+’s period dramedy Palm Royale (2024–present), which returns for a second season this November.

Watch his 2025 VMAs medley below.

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