Pride
‘Drag Race’ Stars Mourn the Loss of Chi Chi DeVayne: ‘Rest Well, Sister’
On Thursday (August 20), news broke that fan-favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on season 8 of the show and on season three of the show’s All Stars spin-off series, had died at age 34 following a battle with pneumonia. In her two appearances on Drag Race, DeVayne (born Zavion Davenport) charmed audiences everywhere with her stellar lip syncing skills, along with her homemade couture. Following her fourth place finish in season 8, fans quickly began a campaign to see her appear on an All Stars season, which she did two years later on All Stars 3. Following the news of her passing, fellow stars from the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise took to social media to mourn DeVayne and celebrate her life, toasting...
Heather Morris, Grieving the Death of Naya Rivera, Reflects On Brittany & Santana’s ‘Glee’ Relationship
Glee star Heather Morris — who portrayed Brittany S. Pierce, the love interest of Naya Rivera’s Santana Lopez character on the Fox musical comedy series — held back tears as she looked back at the couple’s relationship, a month after Rivera’s tragic death. “I have been feeling very heavy lately,” Morris said in a video posted on Instagram Sunday (Aug. 9). “I’ve been feeling this like aching in my heart to connect with my fans, to connect with everybody who’s been feeling a little lost, a little confused during this time.” “I don’t need to explain what the importance of Santana and Brittany’s relationship was to all of you who are watching because most of you felt like it was your gateway into your current life. Most of you felt li...
Mika Shares Letter to the Lebanese People ‘Devastated by the Apocalypse’
A massive warehouse explosion in Beirut last Tuesday (Aug. 4) killed at least 157 people and injured thousands more, devastating the city’s port area. As investigators continue to comb through the rubble, protesters have vented their anger against the Lebanese government, accusing leaders of years of negligence in the storing of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate linked to the blast. British glam-pop star Mika (real name Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.), who was born in Beirut and whose mother was of Lebanese descent, wrote a letter to the Lebanese people to share in their grief and anger over the incident. Billboard was sent an English-language transcript: My dear Lebanon, My dear Beirut, It’s still early in the morning on the other side of the Mediterranean and I feel so close and yet so far a...
Snoop Dogg Crashed Chika’s Live Stream and Now She’s Going to Write a Country Song for Him
Rising rap star Chika added an unexpected, but unbelievably welcome, guest on to a recent Insagram Live: Snoop Dogg. And she’s still reeling in the afterglow of the pure moment that was their virtual meeting. “What the f—, Snoop in here?” she said once she noticed he was viewing her stream. “What’s up? What you doing? Now I feel like I have to do something entertaining. I’ve just been sitting here talking shit, being dumb. But I can smoke in your honor. You want me to roll up? I can do that and play some music.” She asked Snoop why he didn’t just join her live and added him, and the quarantine-era conversation was soon flowing. {“nid”:”9431037″,”type”:”post”,”title”:”Firs...
First Out: New Music From Chika, Troye Sivan, Tegan and Sara & More
In need of some new music for your queer playlists? We’ve got you covered — Billboard Pride is proud to present First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new weekly music releases from LGBTQ artists. From Chika’s groovy new single to Troye Sivan’s latest release from his upcoming EP, check out some of our favorite new releases this week: Chika, “U Should” Ahead of her upcoming role in Netflix’s Project Power, Alabama rapper Chika is ready to chill you out with her smooth new single “U Should.” The groovy track sees the 23-year-old rapper employing some of her much-loved rapid-fire bars, while blending them with a trippy melody filled with acoustic guitars, horns and some gorgeous harmonized voice. “It’s a tug of war for y...
Here Are All the Winners From the 2020 GLAAD Media Awards
On Thursday (July 30), the 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards took place, honoring LGBTQ visibility in music, film, television, journalism and more. Stars like Lil Nas X and Dolly Parton took home awards for their continued efforts in raising awareness for the LGBTQ community through their work. Check out the full list of winners from the 2020 GLAAD Media Awards below. Outstanding Music Artist: Lil Nas X, 7 (Columbia) Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series w/o a regular LGBTQ character): “Two Doors Down” Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings (Netflix) Outstanding Drama Series: Pose (FX) Outstanding Comedy Series: Schitt’s Creek (Pop) Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Booksmart (United Artists Releasing) Outstanding Film – Limited Release: Rafiki (Film Movement) Ou...
Demi Lovato, Ben Platt and More to Appear During Virtual GLAAD Media Awards Ceremony
Though they’re not able to celebrate in person this year, GLAAD is making sure that LGBTQ representation in media is still recognized with the GLAAD Media Awards — and they’re teaming up with some big stars to do it. On Wednesday (July 29), GLAAD announced that even more stars, including Demi Lovato and Ben Platt, will be joining the previously-announced lineup for the 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards’ virtual ceremony. The organization announced that along with a special musical performance from Chloe x Halle, the show will also now feature two new performers; actor and singer Ben Platt, and singer-songwriter Shea Diamond. GLAAD also announced that stars like Lovato, Jennifer Garner, Lilly Singh, Charli XCX, Kandi Burruss, Theo Germaine, August Getty, Gigi Gorgeous Ge...
Here’s Who Won ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ 5
On Friday (July 24) evening, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 5 crowned a winner-winner chicken dinner. After a performance to RuPaul’s “Clap Back” that found each finalist delivering their own lyrics and executing some seriously sickening choreo courtesy Billboard cover star Todrick Hall, the final three – Jujubee, Miz Cracker and Shea Couleé – lip synched to LGBTQ icon Janelle Monae’s “Make Me Feel” to secure the top spot in the Drag Race hall of fame. Dripping in blue and white eleganza, Couleé secured the top spot after a near miss in season 9, which famously saw Sasha Velour (rose) petal her way to the crown during a Whitney Houston lip sync. This time, however, the “Collide” singer nabbed the crown. “Two time’s the ...
Shea Couleé’s 5 Best Musical Moments on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
Spoilers ahead for the finale of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5’ At long last, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5 has come to an end — after a smashing performance to RuPaul’s new song “Clap Back,” and one final lip sync to Janelle Monáe’s “Make Me Feel,” RuPaul declared the winner … season 9’s Shea Couleé! Considered a favorite to win from the moment she entered the work room, the 31-year-old drag star proved each episode why that was the case. Snatching two challenge wins, and winning every lip sync she performed in, Couleé was considered such a threat that there was even a plotline about queens potentially conspiring to eliminate her as the biggest threat in the competition. “My drag, in its purest form, is a love letter to black women,” Couleé explained on the main stage...
37 Times Parody Singer Randy Rainbow Roasted Donald Trump
Shady singer extraordinaire Randy Rainbow is well-known for his politically charged parody videos. Although they started off as mock interviews with politicians and celebrities, Randy eventually showed off his singing abilities in parody music videos based on Broadway tunes and pop hits. In these videos, Randy has taken a particular interest in President Trump and his administration. Not only does he have incredibly versatile vocals, Randy is also a hilariously talented lyricist. His sharp wit and tongue are the perfect tools that allow him to create the most scathing videos, guaranteed to make you laugh. Here are 36 times Randy Rainbow has read Trump for filth since the start of his 2016 presidential campaign. “Ya Got Trump Trouble” “Ya Got Trump Trouble” was Ra...
First Out: New Music From Troye Sivan, The Aces, Shamir & More
If the summer heat is leaving you thirsty for new music from queer talent, look no further. Billboard Pride is here to help with First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new weekly music releases from LGBTQ artists. From Troye Sivan‘s fiery new single to The Aces’ vulnerable new sophomore album, check out some of our favorite new releases this week. Troye Sivan, “Easy” After announcing his new EP, In A Dream, Sivan gave his fans the brand new single that they’ve been waiting for. A crying-on-the-dancefloor anthem, the new song boasts a synth-heavy earworm melody and heartbreaking lyrics that will have you dancing and dreaming about your ex. “I can’t even look at you/ Would you look at the space just next to your feet?”...
First Out: New Music From Kim Petras, Donna Missal, Tayla Parx & More
Another week, another set of LGBTQ new music releases to jam out to. Billboard Pride is here to help with First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new weekly music releases from LGBTQ artists. From Kim Petras and Kygo’s stunning new music video to Donna Missal’s long-awaited sophomore album, check out some of our favorite new releases this week. Kim Petras & Kygo, “Broken Glass” (video) With their new music video, Kygo and Kim Petras are ready to let their icy music freeze your heart over. In the new visual, Petras is seen amidst a snowy car wreckage, reminiscing on the end of an ill-fated relationship. Throughout the dark, frozen void, the pop singer’s look continues to evolve, until she is a Mad Max-meets-Elsa from Froze...
