Pop star Mika set off our gaydar way before he officially came out last year. Ditto for Lance Bass and Clay Aiken. Heck, even Boy George kept his sexuality ambiguous back in his Culture Club days.
Today, even though more pop stars are out and proud, there are still plenty of artists around the world who keep fans guessing about their sexuality. They might not be out—or even gay—but they sure give off that “je ne sais queer.” We’ve rounded up five of our favorite below!
Do you know an outrageous pop act that pings your gaydar? Share with us in the comments section!
http://youtu.be/Hv2JG_Cab98
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Jo Kwon
Boy bands are all the rage in Korea, and each has its own “diva,” (a.k.a. really super gay member). A diva among divas, Jo Kwon of the band 2AM recently struck out on his own with a super sassy makeover and the Gaga-esque album Animal.
In fact, Jo Kwon did justice to Gaga’s “Telephone” with an elaborate cover version in concert. Even Beyonce choreographer Jonte has taken notice, Tweeting praise for an elaborate performance of his single “Animal”: “JK you were amazing! So proud you pulled it off in those shoes ha! I want to work w/ you somehow”. Go Jo!
At times recalling Radiohead, Taiwanese indie-rock outfit Sodagreen is fronted by Wu Tsing-Fong, a.k.a. Greeny. His androgynous vocals and image add an otherworldly element to the band’s haunting compositions and music videos, like “What’s The Trouble On Your Mind” (above). While fans have speculated about his sexuality for years, in 2011, Greeny was outed thanks to some incriminating text messages.
Boasting a five-octave voice range that’s earned him the nickname “The Siren,” Latvian-Russian singer Vitas first made a splash in 2000 with the single “Opera No. 2.” Traversing musical genres from electropop to standards like “Ave Maria,” Vitas was known as much for his alien-glam look as his music. Since catching on in Asia, however, he’s toned down his image considerably. His voice, however, is as out of this world as ever.
Lead singer of of the Grammy-winning duo La Roux, Jackson has built up a serious queer following with her powerful vocals and Tilda-Swinton-meets-Flock-of-Seagulls looks. Jackson loves keeping it ambiguous, actively deflecting any label: “I don’t have a sexuality,” she told News of the World. “I don’t feel like I’m female or male. I don’t belong to the gay or straight society, if there is such a thing. I feel like I’m capable of falling in love with other people. I’m not saying I’m bisexual, I’m just sexual.” Whatever you say, Elly—just keep those electropop confections and guest appearances coming.
Juan Son
Born Juan Carlos Pereda, Juan Son fronted Porter, one of Mexico’s most exalted alternative rock acts. After the band played Coachella in 2008, Porter disbanded and Juan started his solo career. He went full-tilt Bjork with animal costumes and makeup, and released an album the following year, Mermaid Sashimi, which netted a Latin Grammy nomination for “Nada.” John Cameron Mitchell became a fan and championed Juan Son’s work—the pair went on to perform at Joe’s Pub in 2010.
capsule
I don’t see anything outrageous about those artists. Aren’t they just copying artists/bands of the cheesy 80’s era? When I was in Japan there were many mainstream male artists who wore makeup, extravagant hair styles, and androgynous costumes, so people didn’t make a big deal about it.
moontrent
Thanks for sharing these artist with me.
Here’s my LIVE clip for my song “You Look Like A Eurythmics Fan”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHbTNxlyN1M&list=PLDA732D9AE185F57F
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHbTNxlyN1M&list=PLDA732D9AE185F57F
Daggerman
.there is just a little bit of an insult here, regarding certain pop stars, celebrities, etc who ‘come out’ ages after you knew that they were to begin with…I mean take Ricky Martin for starters, my god, he must be the perfect example….he was soo obvious it wasn’t true.
But I have no doubt there must be hundreds that still are and will remain in the closet, which goes for male actors also plus all male models…?