In a bold new partnership, global superstar Christina Aguilera is temporarily replacing Grindr’s iconic “bloop” notification sound with her opening lyrics from “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You),” just in time for her headliner set at the Portola Music Festival in San Francisco.
Starting Sept. 15, Grindr users in the U.S. who have sound notifications enabled will hear Aguilera’s familiar vocals instead of the usual “bloop.” The change is part of a promotional campaign tied to Aguilera’s headlining appearance at Portola, set for Sept. 20 at Pier 80, presented by Goldenvoice.
“Portola, Grindr and me? That’s a threesome I can get behind,” Aguilera said in a press release. “When that ‘Come On Over’ sound hits at the festival, or wherever you’re celebrating, I hope things get spicy!”
Tristan Pineiro, Grindr’s senior vice president of brand marketing and communication, said the swap is meant to pay homage to Aguilera’s legacy in queer pop culture.
“The Grindr ‘bloop’ is one of the most iconic sounds in gay pop culture,” Pineiro said. “But when Christina Aguilera enters the chat, we give her the stage … Whether you’re at Portola or inviting someone to ‘Come On Over,’ Grindr is making sure everyone can get in on the fun.”
What Users Need to Know
- Availability: The new notification setting will be available for a limited time to all U.S. Grindr users with sound notifications turned on.
- How to Activate It: Users can enable the sound by going to their profile photo → Settings → Notifications → Toggle on sound.
- In-App Presence: Along with the sound change, Aguilera will feature prominently in Grindr’s app and on its social media channels to promote her Portola performance.
Why It Matters
Changing Grindr’s signature alert sound is more than a promotional gimmick, it’s a cultural statement. Aguilera’s music has long held significance in the queer community, and this collaboration underscores her influence. For many users, hearing Aguilera’s voice instead of a generic notification makes Grindr feel more like a personal space of connection and celebration.
Aguilera has sold over 75 million records worldwide. She’s won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Her music, especially tracks like “Beautiful,” “Dirrty,” and “Fighter,” has been celebrated for its emotional candor and empowerment. This latest move with Grindr reinforces her role not just as an entertainer, but as an icon.
Portola Festival & Aguilera’s Headline Performance
The notification sound change builds anticipation for Aguilera’s performance at the Portola Music Festival. Herded by Goldenvoice, Portola is known for assembling diverse lineups, and Aguilera’s presence adds star power and promise.
Grindr describes itself as the “Global Gaybourhood in Your Pocket™,” with more than 14.5 million average monthly users. For many on the platform, the remix of notification sound and Aguilera’s headliner status creates a crossover moment between digital culture and live music, amplifying excitement for both the festival and community engagement.
