Arts & Entertainment

‘American Idol’ finalist Rayvon Owen comes out in video

singer reveals sexuality

Published

10 years ago

February 15, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

“American Idol” season 14 finalist Rayvon Owen came out as gay in a music video released via Billboard on Sunday.

The Richmond Va. native, 24, is seen pining for someone in the video for his single “Can’t Fight It.” At the end of the video, it is revealed Owen is singing about a man and ends the video by kissing him. The man he kisses is Shane Bitney Crone, LGBT advocate and filmmaker of “Bridegroom.”

In an interview with Richmond.com Owen discussed his reasons for not being out on “American Idol.”

“I never lied to the producers. I just left it out and kept it to myself,” he said. “I didn’t want it to stifle or ruin any of my chances of doing well in the competition. Unfortunately, that’s just the nature of the show. If I was publicly gay, would people still vote for me?” Owen told Richmond.com.

“In a lot of ways, I’m glad I didn’t (come out on the show). … I hope that it will show that being gay doesn’t make you any different,” Owen continued.

Related Topics:American Idol Billboard Can't Fight It Rayvon Owen Richmond.com Shane Bitney Crone

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‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

22 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

24 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.