Arts & Entertainment
Gaga announces drop date for new album
Little Monsters rejoice! You can finally mark your calendars with the release date for Lady Gaga’s newest album.
The pop music superstar announced on Monday that her highly anticipated sixth studio album is due to drop on April 10 via Interscope Records. Titled “Chromatica,” the album was executive produced by Gaga herself alongside BloodPop.
News of the release date has naturally set the musical icon’s fans off on a frenzy of excitement. Billboard already reports that social media is abuzz over the upcoming album, with one fan comparing their feelings to the anticipation they felt over Gaga’s second LP, “Born This Way,” with the Tweet, “I can’t believe everything that’s happening right now. It feels like 2011 all over again. I’m legit so emotional omgggg.”
Another commented, “After 7 fking years we will have a new pop album.”
The news comes on the heels of Friday’s release of Gaga’s latest single, the high-energy track “Stupid Love,” which debuted at #1 on iTunes in 58 countries. The single is one of 16 tracks to be featured on the standard edition of “Chromatica,” with two or three additional bonus tracks planned for the deluxe version. The album’s cover will be unveiled at a later date.
Of course, Gaga is doing it up right for her fans. Besides the digital release, the new album will be available in a variety of physical formats, including standard CD, vinyl (in various colors), and cassette. The LGBTQ fan favorite has also launched an array of new merchandise, along with exclusive vinyl color, which you can peruse when you head over to ladygaga.com to pre-order “Chromatica” on all music platforms.
The video for “Stupid Love,” which was shot entirely on an iPhone 11 Pro, blasted to number #1 worldwide trending on YouTube upon its Friday release. You can watch it below.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
