Arts & Entertainment
Dua Lipa drops new video and album
Pop sensation Dua Lipa did her part to help relieve the monotony of self-isolation this week by releasing a new video for her latest single, the day before making an early drop of her highly anticipated new album, “Future Nostalgia.”
The singer, who exploded onto the music scene in 2015 with a self-titled, chart topping debut album which eclipsed 4 million sales worldwide, on Thursday revealed the pop art video for “Break My Heart.” Taking viewers on a rollercoaster of a journey through the trials and tribulations of relationships, the track is the third single from “Future Nostalgia,” following the the number one global hit single “Don’t Start Now,” and her current UK smash single “Physical.”
On Friday, Dua released the entire album, which is now available for download on all digital platforms, as well as in physical formats which include pink neon vinyl, CD, picture disc, gold cassette and a deluxe box set.
In addition, she released an announcement of rescheduled dates for her upcoming “Future Nostalgia” UK and European Tour, which was originally set for this year but has now been pushed back to early 2021.
Dua Lipa made history with her debut album, which became the most streamed album by a female artist in Spotify history. The video for her breakout global #1 hit “New Rules” made her the youngest female solo artist to reach one billion views on YouTube, and the track was the first to spend a record 45 weeks on the Billboard Pop Songs Chart. She set another milestone in 2018 by becoming the first female artist to pick up five BRIT Award nominations, with two wins for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, and in 2019, she received two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording.
The adrenaline-fueled lead single from “Future Nostalgia,” “Don’t Start Now,” has over 600 million streams and hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 – Dua Lipa’s highest position on that chart to date. Her newest UK smash single “Physical” was released with an accompanying super-charged rainbow-colored video and immediately hit the Billboard Hot 100.
You can watch the video for “Break My Heart” below.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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