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The ‘ZOMBIES 4’ Cast Settles the Camp Rock vs. Camp Star Debate

It didn’t take long for things to spiral into chaos—in the best way. “Do you know the Camp Rock 2 dance?” I asked, and before I could finish, Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly jumped in their seats. “Boom, boom, boom, boom. Camp Rock.”

“This movie is also directed by the same director,” Manheim pointed out. “Paul Hoen!”

That energy captures exactly what fans can expect from ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the latest installment in Disney’s hit musical saga. The ZOMBIES franchise has become a monster-sized success since the first film debuted in 2018, with each movie topping the charts for kids and tweens and racking up billions of music streams. Now, the fourth film brings all the music, dance, and feel-good chaos to summer camp—with fangs.

What ZOMBIES 4 Is All About

In ZOMBIES 4, Zed and Addison’s summer road trip takes a wild turn when they end up as camp counselors caught between two rival monster factions: Daywalkers and Vampires. With the help of old friends (hi, Eliza and Willa!) and some powerful new recruits, they try to unite the supernatural squads before a bigger threat emerges.

Naturally, since this one takes place at camp, we had to ask the cast about Camp Rock 2. The debate? Should Camp Star have won the Final Jam, or was Camp Rock robbed?

Settling the Final Jam Debate

“I remember being like eight years old… I have an allegiance to Mitchie and Shane and the whole gang,” Donnelly said. “So when they lost I was like, no. But deep down in my soul, I was like, they ate. They deserved that.”

“Same,” Manheim added. “I wasn’t like a ‘do you know how hard they worked?’ guy. I was more of a player guy—like fantasy football. I just wanted this one person to do well.”

Meet the New Vampires

Beyond the dance nostalgia and Disney lore, ZOMBIES 4 also introduces two new stars to the saga: Freya Skye as Nova and Malachi Barton as Victor, a pair of fierce monsters with serious presence.

Skye and Barton were clearly having a blast together—so much so that we asked them to swap roles and introduce each other’s characters.

“Hey, I’m Malachi Barton. I play Victor in ZOMBIES 4,” Skye said in a mock voice.

“That’s not what I sound like!” Barton protested, before taking his turn: “Hello, it’s Freya Skye here. My new song ‘Gold’s Gone’ just released… My character Nova is a very adventurous, very, very tough, brave girl. She has so many fight scenes and she just embraces the power of leadership and she just loves her family.”

The two also spoke about what it meant to join such a beloved franchise.

“It means so much,” Skye said. “ZOMBIES was a franchise that, when I was younger, really inspired me… working with the people who inspired me and being surrounded by such incredible people every day was just the most incredible thing.”

“A hundred percent,” Barton added. “I think that it’s such an important message in our day and age—coming together as one group, literally no matter what. I think all people can watch this movie and relate to it in some way.”

Music, Nostalgia, and the Return of “Someday”

Of course, no ZOMBIES movie is complete without music. And fans of the original films are in for a treat: both “Someday” and “Ain’t No Doubt About It” return—with new reprises.

“When ‘Ain’t No Doubt About It’ came to us, I was like, this has the potential to be a ‘Someday,’” Manheim said. “And it totally reached that potential.”

“I think the reprise in ZOMBIES 4 is probably the most special thing out of the whole franchise,” Donnelly added. “It’s really hard [to choose], but because of everything we’ve been through, it has to be ‘Someday.’”

And yes, there’s tap dancing. “We both be tapping,” Manheim said. “It’s something we connected on in the first movie.”

“We added a little dewy tapping in ‘Someday,’ and we reached its full potential,” Donnelly said. “It just felt right for that moment.”

So what do you get when you combine summer camp, Disney hot takes, dance battles, and vampire drama? A ZOMBIES movie that goes all in—and maybe even makes you cry a little.

“This is the best interview we’ve had all day,” Manheim said. “Thank you for letting us be the weirdest.”

The Disney Channel Original Movie ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires premieres July 10 on Disney Channel, with streaming available the next day on Disney+.

Watch the full interview with the cast below.

Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty Split After Nearly 6 Years of Marriage

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After nearly six years of marriage and a highly public love story, Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty have officially ended their relationship. The couple, who married in 2019, confirmed their amicable split in a joint statement shared with People on July 2.

“Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty confirm they have amicably decided to part ways and officially file for divorce,” their rep shared. “While they have decided to end their marriage, they remain friends and have the utmost love and respect for each other.”

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Getty cited “irreconcilable differences” and listed February 27, 2025, as the date of separation.

A Romance That Inspired Millions

Gigi Gorgeous (née Giselle Loren Lazzarato) and Nats Getty became a power couple within the LGBTQ+ community. Their whirlwind romance began in 2016, and they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony three years later. Throughout their relationship, they were candid about both their personal transformations and their desire to build a family.

 

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Gigi, 33, opened up about their IVF journey during the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, telling E! NewsLaverne Cox, “We have six embryos that are on ice, and we could technically have six kids tomorrow, which is crazy.” Ever the humorist, she quickly added, “I think we’re maybe gonna do, like, four kids tomorrow.”

Personal Growth and Shared Courage

For Nats, the divorce comes on the heels of several life milestones, including publicly coming out as transgender and non-binary in January 2021. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared at the time, the 32-year-old explained, “I have spent my entire life not in sync with the body I was born with… It wasn’t until recently that I was even comfortable admitting this to myself.”

 

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They also detailed their decision to undergo top surgery, describing it as something they had dreamed about for years. “I know it’s a privilege that I’m even able to move forward with this when for many it’s an impossible option due to their circumstance,” they wrote.

Their post ended with a message to others navigating gender identity and self-discovery: “There is no need to rush it. Allow yourself the time and space to find who you truly are.”

Parting, Not Breaking

Though their romantic chapter has ended, both Gigi and Nats continue to stand as examples of authenticity, resilience, and love, just in a new form. Their separation marks not a failure, but a turning point, rooted in mutual respect and a continued commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Zac and Dylan Efron’s Shirtless Lake Day Is the Summer Vacation the Internet Needed

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While most of us are battling sand in unfortunate places or melting in city heat, Zac and Dylan Efron are living their best lives on a lakeside getaway that’s basically a Pinterest board of “Summer Goals.” And yes, the shirts were left at home.

On July 1, Zac Efron, 37, made waves (literally) on Instagram by dropping a carousel of lakeside pics that instantly reminded the world why he’s still a gay heartthrob. No caption, no explanation, just vibes. The post opened with the “High School Musical” alum shirtless behind the wheel of a boat like some kind of nautical dream, followed by a shot of him wakesurfing like a pro.

Another snap showed Zac strolling solo with only a towel wrapped around his waist, casually looking like an Abercrombie ad. The post ended with an adorable sunset video of him and his younger brother, Dylan, trading cowboy hats while floating on the boat.

 

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Dylan Efron’s POV: Shirtless, Sunny, and Sponsored?

Dylan, 33, gave his followers a sneak peek at the fun a day earlier, posting a video montage of the lakeside hangout. His Instagram video opened with the text “Describe summer in one word,” set to the breezy Briscoe track “Easy Does It.” His answer? “This.”

The video shows the brothers taking turns launching themselves off a dock into the water, wearing only swim trunks, and presumably a brand deal, as Dylan tagged Vuori in both the caption and the clip.

Also making an appearance: Dylan’s longtime girlfriend Courtney King, who got tossed into the water by her man like a true lakeside rite of passage. (Cute aggression is real.)

 

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Cowboy Hats and Hero Moments

While the brotherly bonding and ab-filled photos stole the spotlight this week, Dylan recently reminded fans he’s more than just pretty abs and a middle-part haircut. During an April episode of Brooke & Connor Make a Podcast, the “Traitors” star recounted a surprisingly dramatic story from his first visit to Miami’s South Beach.

“I walk up to the shore for the first time ever, and I’m looking out and it was just people screaming in the water,” Dylan recalled. He, actor Sam Asghari, and their friend Brandon ended up rescuing several girls who were caught in a rip current. Dylan brushed it off with a shrug, calling it “random,” but honestly? He’s a certified lifeguard in our hearts.

After the group was safe, Dylan simply hugged one of the girls, said “you’re safe,” and walked off like a shirtless superhero with no need for applause. Iconic.

A Little Brotherly Thirst This Holiday Weekend

Whether they’re goofing off in cowboy hats, saving lives on the beach, or just giving the gays everything they want via Instagram, the Efron brothers continue to deliver. Their Fourth of July-week energy is peak summer fun, wholesome, hot, and hilariously low-effort.

Bianca Del Rio and More LGBTQ Stars Raise Over $700,000 for Project Angel Food

In a dazzling display of drag, star power, and community, Lead with Love: LA Strong, KTLA’s Pride Month fundraising special, raised $721,622 for Project Angel Food during a live telethon held June 28. Hosted by a constellation of LGBTQ+ celebrities and allies, the event landed with a splash – centered around drag icon Bianca Del Rio, whose lightning-fast quips fueled record-breaking pledges for the critically ill Angelenos whom the charity supports.

Presented by City National Bank, the three-time Emmy-nominated installment of Lead with Love fused vibrant performances and heartfelt storytelling. But it was Del Rio – dubbed “Hurricane Bianca” by actor Eric McCormack of Will & Grace – who truly stole the show. From her perch behind the All-Star Phone Bank, she ignited the phone lines with sassy banter and show-stopping energy.

Edward James Olmos and Eric McCormack speak during Project Angel Food’s Lead With Love 6 – A Fundraising Special at KTLA 5 on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love 6

“Grab whatever you can write with—eyeliner, Sharpie, your ex’s forehead—and dial like your parole depends on it!” Bianca urged. Her playful jibes – like teasing Luenell, “phones are ringing faster than Luenell chasing a two-for-one margarita” – literally doubled the night’s donor volume compared to last year’s telethon.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Care and Community
Joining Del Rio alongside McCormack were co-hosts Jessica Holmes and comedian Loni Love. Among the volunteer callers were openly gay actors Tim Bagley, Michael Hitchcock, Gregory and Lawrence Zarian, and Will & Grace alums Cheyenne Jackson and Matt Bomer, joined by performers Nathan Lee Graham, Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying, and musical director Michael Orland.

Musical performances infused the evening with emotion and vigour. Jackson’s soulful interpretation of “Feeling Good” set the tone, followed by Jennifer Holliday’s stirring rendition of “And I Am Telling You.” Pop sensation and volunteer Em Beihold sang Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” to rousing applause. Later, Hoying and Loren Allred delivered a moving medley of “Arms of an Angel” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” accompanied by Orland’s elegant five-piece band.

Loren Allred and Scott Hoying perform during Project Angel Food's Lead With Love 6 - A Fundraising Special at KTLA 5 on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Loren Allred and Scott Hoying perform during Project Angel Food’s Lead With Love 6 – A Fundraising Special at KTLA 5 on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love 6

From Kitchens to Catwalks: Reach Across L.A. County
Lead with Love didn’t just entertain—it educated. The broadcast showcased Project Angel Food’s vital services across Los Angeles County. Ann-Margret spotlighted efforts in Antelope Valley; Edward James Olmos featured East L.A.; Lori Loughlin shared her volunteer work in Burbank/San Fernando Valley; Steven Weber contributed from Culver City; and Em Beihold highlighted South L.A.

International pop icon Annie Lennox and AIDS activist Mary Fisher both prepared meals in the charity’s Lincoln Heights satellite kitchen. Cameron Mathison revisited Altadena, where he detailed how the organization assisted fire-devastated households – including client Orna and her niece Aria, who shared their heartfelt thanks.

Gregory Zarian, Lawrence Zarian, Amy Yasbeck, Bianca Del Rio, and Cheyenne Jackson are seen during Project Angel Food's Lead With Love 6 - A Fundraising Special at KTLA 5 on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Gregory Zarian, Lawrence Zarian, Amy Yasbeck, Bianca Del Rio, and Cheyenne Jackson are seen during Project Angel Food’s Lead With Love 6 – A Fundraising Special at KTLA 5 on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food’s Lead with Love 6

A highlight reel of celebrity messages included powerful statements from Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jack Black, Bomer, and Graham. In her taped segment, Streisand added weight to the conversation about federal HIV/AIDS funding, urging viewers to “lead with love… ensuring everyone living with HIV/ AIDS knows we are with them.”

From Donation to Dedication
One of the evening’s moving moments involved Jamie Lee Curtis, chair of the “Rise to the Challenge” campaign, touring the new Project Angel Food kitchen. CEO Richard Ayoub dedicated the volunteer orientation room in her honor. Diana Rodriguez of City National Bank also presented a generous $100,000 check on live TV.

Funding the Future
Project Angel Food, founded in 1989, provides medically tailored meals and compassionate care to chronically and terminally ill individuals throughout Los Angeles County. Annually, the organization delivers more than 1.5 million meals to over 6,200 clients and has distributed 19 million meals to date. The new Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus is under construction to double future meal capacity. The charity maintains a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, with 89 cents of every dollar directly supporting meals.

Impact Beyond the Broadcast
Executive producer Brad Bessey – who has earned Emmys and GLAAD recognition – praised Del Rio’s performance, calling her “exactly what we needed to energize this night of giving.” He acknowledged the presence of legendary icons like Ann-Margret, Jennifer Holliday, Annie Lennox, and Barbra Streisand, whose participation underscored the special’s heartfelt resonance.

CEO Richard Ayoub echoed this sentiment: “In our six-year history, no show has embodied Project Angel Food’s mission of delivering hope, healing, and unwavering support more profoundly.”

Donations remain open at angelfood.org/lovela, ensuring that the momentum sparked by the telethon continues to fuel vital services.

Sponsors fueling the cause included City National Bank, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Herb Ritts Foundation, Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, and Ralphs/Food4Less Foundation.

About Lead with Love
Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lead with Love has become one of Los Angeles’ most uplifting televised events. With nearly six million dollars raised over six years, the special has featured over 200 celebrity appearances, including Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Magic Johnson, and Ringo Starr.

About Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food exists to nourish both the body and spirit of vulnerable people facing critical and life-threatening illnesses with love, care, and dignity. As need continues to grow, so does the charity’s commitment to serving every corner of Los Angeles County.

For more information or to donate, visit angelfood.org.

Jonathan Bailey Plays His Own ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Theme on Clarinet… Yes, Really

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The Bridgerton heartthrob, currently starring in Jurassic World Rebirth and soon to appear in the sequel, Wicked: For Good, recently revealed he did more than just act in the blockbuster dino flick. While promoting the film on The Tonight Show, Bailey shared the ultimate theater-kid-meets-Hollywood-composer story: he played a clarinet solo in the actual score of the movie, and yes, it made it into the final cut.

A Nerdy Dream Comes True

“It really was the highlight of my career,” Bailey told Fallon, adding, “The nerd in me erupted like Vesuvius.”

While rehearsing Richard II in London, Bailey got word from Jurassic World Rebirth director Gareth Edwards that composer Alexandre Desplat would be recording the score at Abbey Road Studios, just a short walk away. Naturally, Bailey stopped by to geek out over the 105-piece orchestra, which was incorporating elements of John Williams’ original Jurassic Park music.

@fallontonight

Jonathan Bailey plays the clarinet on the @Jurassic World score! #FallonTonight #JonathanBailey #JurassicWorldRebirth #JurassicWorld #JimmyFallon

♬ original sound – FallonTonight

“As the week progressed,” Bailey recalled, “I came back and I was like, ‘Can I bring my clarinet?’” He admitted he hadn’t played since school, but just wanted to hit a single note, even if it was “slightly sharp,” to feel part of the magic.

From Spectator to Soloist

That innocent ask turned into an actual contribution. After shadowing professional clarinetists during the sessions, Bailey was invited to play small background notes. Then came a pivotal moment: a clarinet solo meant to introduce his character, Dr. Henry Loomis, as he sees a dinosaur for the first time.

“I said I couldn’t do it,” Bailey confessed, recalling the intimidation of playing alongside world-class musicians. But when the solo came back around, Desplat told him, “It’s now or never.”

“I just went, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’” And just like that, the Bridgerton beau picked up his clarinet and played the official theme of his own Jurassic World character, now immortalized in the score.

A Full Circle Moment

Bailey’s emotional connection to the clarinet dates back to 1993, the same year the original Jurassic Park film premiered, when his grandfather gifted him his very first clarinet. That childhood spark came roaring back to life in the most unexpected way.

“It just shows that if you find something you love and you commit to it, you never know how it comes full circle,” Bailey reflected. “But honestly, it was so emotional.”

@classicfm

If you needed any more proof of his talent… 🦖 While in London performing the titular role in ‘Richard II’ at the Bridge Theatre, actor Jonathan Bailey paid a visit to Abbey Road Studios, where Alexandre Desplat was recording the score for the new ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ film with a 105-strong orchestra. Originally happy enough just to sit in on the session, Bailey was invited by Desplat to play the clarinet solo for his character in the film. 🎥 Universal Studios

♬ original sound – classicfm

Glasses, Dinosaurs, and a Side of Talent

While fans are already swooning over Bailey’s dashing performance as the dino-loving Dr. Loomis, many are also thirsting over his “slutty little glasses,” a nickname affectionately coined by the internet during the Jurassic World press tour. And now, knowing he can slay a clarinet solo and a slow-motion dinosaur gaze? Yeah, we’re all doomed.

Jurassic World Rebirth is now playing in theaters. Bailey stans, assemble, and bring your clarinets.

‘The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy’ Is Back And More Joyful Than Ever!

Storytime just got a whole lot more fabulous.

The award-winning Canadian preschool series The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy has returned for Season 2—and this time, it’s streaming worldwide on YouTube. Hosted by drag duo Fay Slift and Fluffy Soufflé, the beloved storytime variety show brings big wigs, bigger heart, and fabulous lessons on kindness, inclusion, and being your most authentic self.

The second season of the LGBTQ+-hosted children’s

A New Season of Sparkles, Stories, and Self-Love

The season kicks off with “I Can Get Through It!”—an episode that helps kids navigate disappointment after Fluffy has to cancel a beach day with Fay. With their signature warmth and humor, the hosts use the moment to teach empathy and understanding. During storytime, they read Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows by Jessika Von Innerebner, a picture book about managing tough days with grace and glitter.

Each new episode blends storytime with music, puppet friends, guest appearances, and heartfelt convos with an adorable live studio audience. Expect can’t-miss musical numbers, vibrant costumes, and important messages about loving yourself and others.

Special Guests & Fabulous Friends

Season 2 features an exciting lineup of guest stars, including LGBTQ+ icon Kalen Allen, Grammy-winning Alphabet Rockers, Olympian Jayna Hefford, Inuvialuk artist Nanook Gordon, disability advocate Spencer West, and many more. From Bollywood dancers to drag performers to hip-hop heroes, this show is a joyful celebration of diversity and creativity.

The second season of the LGBTQ+-hosted children’s variety show The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy is now streaming on YouTube

Global Love for Fay & Fluffy

Praised for its inclusive storytelling and joyful energy, The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy has earned accolades including the 2023 Shaw Rocket Fund Kids’ Choice Award and multiple Youth Media Alliance Awards. Created by Lopii Productions and distributed globally by Sinking Ship Entertainment, the show has quickly become a favorite for families across Canada—and now the world.

Watch & Subscribe

Season 2 episodes are premiering weekly on YouTube. You can watch episodes from Season 2 here. Don’t forget to subscribe to their channel for more storytime magic.

Because when it comes to kindness, courage, and sparkle—Fay and Fluffy always deliver.

Jonathan Bailey’s Viral ‘Sluttly Little Glasses’ Are Now Real – and They’re Supporting LGBTQ Lives

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Jonathan Bailey, star of stage, screen, and sass, has turned an internet moment into a charitable fashion statement. The out British actor has teamed up with London-based eyewear brand Cubitts to release a limited-edition pair of sunglasses dubbed “Loomis”- inspired by the now-iconic frames he wore during the Jurassic World: Rebirth press tour.

Fans affectionately dubbed the dainty specs his “sluttly little glasses,” and rather than shy away from the viral attention, Bailey leaned in with style and purpose. The actor, best known for Bridgerton and Fellow Travelers, is using the moment to raise funds for The Shameless Fund, the LGBTQIA+ charity he founded in 2024.

“I’ve worn Cubitts for nearly a decade—they’re a powerhouse brand with serious style, headed by a super cool team. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Henry Loomis to wear them,” Bailey said in a statement, referencing his character in the Jurassic World reboot.

Cubitts and Jonathan Bailey collab.
Cubitts and Jonathan Bailey collab.

Rose-Tinted and Ready for Change

Available for preorder now on Cubitts’ website, the Loomis sunglasses are as bold as their backstory. Crafted from sleek stainless steel with fine metal lines, black acetate temple tips, and Bailey-approved soft pink lenses, the frames serve minimalist chic with a flirty twist. The sunglasses retail for £150 (approximately $250 USD) and come with a pink-lined case and a cleaning cloth illustrated by Bailey himself—available separately for superfans.

But this isn’t just a fashion drop – it’s a mission. The first 3,000 units sold will donate 50% of proceeds to The Shameless Fund. Sales beyond that point will contribute an even larger 75% of each unit price to the charity, which focuses on empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to live boldly and unapologetically.

“This is a pair of glasses that make everyone look sexy, feel sexy, and make the world seem sexier,” Bailey said. “Right now, we all could use a rose-tinted perspective. Go wild!”

A Queer-Centered Collaboration

The collaboration marks The Shameless Fund’s first official partnership of 2025 and sets the tone for what Bailey describes as a year of joyful activism. The charity, launched after Bailey’s string of major career milestones, supports queer voices through grants, mentorship, and community projects around identity, visibility, and creative expression.

Cubitts, founded in 2012, is known for its craftsmanship, sustainability ethos, and modernist design. The brand offers repair services and bespoke fittings, making the Loomis collection not just meaningful, but built to last.

So whether you’re a longtime Bailey stan or just looking for an excuse to serve face this summer, the Loomis sunglasses bring a perfect mix of cheeky style and real impact.

They’re hot, they’re helpful, and they’re just slutty enough.

Preorders are available now at cubitts.com. Quantities are limited, but the vibe? Infinite.

Zara Larsson’s ‘Midnight Sun’ Is the Queer Summer Anthem We’ve Been Waiting For

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Zara Larsson is entering her glitter-pop goddess era with “Midnight Sun,” a euphoric new single already glowing bright across queer corners of the internet. The track, which serves as the title song for her upcoming fourth album, taps into something beautifully specific, an endless Swedish summer where the sun never sets and emotions run high.

Directed by Charlotte Rutherford, the music video for “Midnight Sun” turns that sentiment into pure visual serotonin. Think Y2K glam with a Northern European twist: hyperreal hues, dreamy nostalgia, and outfits that Paris Hilton would’ve rocked on a beach in 2003.

@zaralarsson

🌞🌊🌼🌈🐬👙🦋🌸✨ #midnightsun #songofthesummer #newmusic

♬ Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson

A Scandinavian Summer, But Make It Eternal

Larsson, who co-wrote the song with MNEK, Margo XS, Zhone, and Helena Gao, explains that “Midnight Sun” is a deeply personal love letter to her heritage.

“I really am proud of my Swedish pop heritage,” she said. “So I wanted to write about a Swedish summer where the sun never goes down… The summer night will be there for you, it’s waiting for you, and you will come back for it.”

It’s more than a metaphor. Larsson captures a wistful warmth that transcends seasonal sadness. It’s escapism, yes, but rooted in something honest. The track’s shimmering production and tender lyrics tap into a universal longing: for light, for joy, for yourself.

The full Midnight Sun album is set to drop on September 26 via Sommer House/Epic Records, and will be available in both digital and physical formats.

A Queer Favorite in the Making

Queer fans have latched onto “Midnight Sun” as more than just a catchy bop, it’s a whole mood. The song’s themes of return, resilience, and radiance feel tailor-made for those who’ve weathered their own internal winters. The music video, with its retro-futurist styling, Y2K flair, and glittery drama, only deepens the appeal.

From Instagram story reshares to TikTok edits, “Midnight Sun” is already being heralded as a “seasonal depression antidote” and “the sonic equivalent of queer joy.” And now, Larsson’s live vocals are giving fans even more reason to stan.

Vocal Perfection, Live and Unfiltered

During a recent live performance, Larsson nailed the song’s soaring vocal run with ease, proving that the studio magic is backed by serious talent.

Clips from the performance quickly made the rounds online, with fans calling her vocals “angelic,” “otherworldly,” and “criminally underrated.”

“oh the superstar you are zara,” one fan tweeted.
“Zara slid on that vocal run like butter,” another commented, complete with a burning fire and sunset emoji.

Even casual listeners were left stunned by her control and power, especially in a pop landscape where live vocals can be hit or miss.

Midnight Tour Mode Activated

Zara Larsson is set to take “Midnight Sun” on the road this August, beginning with a North American tour leg alongside fellow pop powerhouse Tate McRae. She’ll follow that up with European dates in the fall and an Australia–New Zealand run in early 2026 with OneRepublic.

With a song this luminous—and a vocal performance to match—it’s clear Larsson is embracing her moment. And if “Midnight Sun” is any indication, this era might just be her most radiant yet.

Conan Gray Teases Gay Summer Love Story in New ‘Vodka Cranberry’ Single and Video

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Break out the heart-shaped sunglasses and tissues, Conan Gray is back with another tearjerker of a love story, and this time, it’s dipped in sun-drenched queerness and shimmering heartbreak. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter has announced his next single, “Vodka Cranberry,” arriving Friday, July 11, and the teaser alone has fans already spinning with emotions.

 

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A Queer Cinematic Moment

The teaser clip for “Vodka Cranberry” opens like a scene from a coming-of-age indie film. Conan pulls up to a serene lake in a car, gazing longingly at the boy standing in front of it—played by actor Corey Fogelmanis (best known for Ma and the recent queer coming-of-age film I Wish You All The Best).

Then, over a soft string arrangement, Conan’s voice begins a reflective narration:

“Summer was almost over. I was in love with him. More than he knew. More than even I knew. He was standing right in front of me. I missed him already.”

It’s brief, but in classic Conan fashion, the atmosphere is rich with longing, unsaid words, and the aching beauty of youth. Fans are already calling it a queer summer anthem in the making, and it hasn’t even dropped yet.

Part of the Upcoming Wishbone Era

“Vodka Cranberry” is the third track on Wishbone, Conan’s upcoming album, out August 15. The record follows 2024’s Found Heaven and was written largely in secret during stolen moments on tour, between shows, and in quiet spaces that offered reflection.

“It felt like the music was reminding me who I am,” Conan shared in a statement. “At an experimental time in my twenties where ‘who I am’ had no definition at all.”

Teaming up again with producer Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan), Gray allowed the album to take shape naturally. “I didn’t know what story I was telling, I was just living in it,” he added.

The 12-track album promises more of Conan’s signature vulnerability and lyrical storytelling, with tracks like “Romeo,” “Nauseous,” and “Connell” already piquing curiosity. If “Vodka Cranberry” is any indication, Wishbone might just be his most personal, and queerest, work yet.

“Vodka Cranberry” Could Be the Queer Song of the Summer

With a title like “Vodka Cranberry,” the single is already channeling the essence of gay bar nostalgia and summer romance. And if the teaser is anything to go by, this will be the kind of song you put on repeat while daydreaming about a crush you only spoke to once at a lake house in July.

Get ready to cry in the club, or by the lake, when the full single drops July 11. And stay tuned for Wishbone, out August 15, which promises even more of Conan Gray’s beautiful, messy, identity-searching magic.

Pete Buttigieg Tops 2028 Democratic Poll – Could He Be America’s First Out Gay President?

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In a dazzling twist that’s sure to make history buffs and LGBTQ+ voters perk up, out gay Democrat Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the early frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, according to a new poll from Emerson College. If the momentum holds, Buttigieg could become the first openly gay major-party presidential nominee in U.S. history. (Yes, you read that right.)

The poll, conducted June 24–25, asked likely Democratic voters to look ahead and pick their top choice for the party’s next presidential candidate. Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and ex-mayor of South Bend, Indiana, topped the list with 16% support – edging out some of the Democratic Party’s biggest names and brightest stars.

Trailing just behind him: Vice President and 2024 nominee Kamala Harris at 13%, California Governor Gavin Newsom at 12%, and both Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro tied at 7%. Meanwhile, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (who some speculate could still mount another campaign at age 87) and a handful of other notable Democrats rounded out the rest of the field.

Still, the most popular response? “Undecided,” with a whopping 23% of respondents unsure who should lead the ticket.

A Groundbreaking Candidacy with Serious Momentum

Buttigieg made history in 2020 as the first openly gay person confirmed to a Cabinet position, serving under President Joe Biden as Secretary of Transportation. His presence in the Biden administration – and his previous groundbreaking 2020 presidential campaign—has made him a rising star in progressive and centrist circles alike.

Now, it seems Democratic voters are ready for more Mayor Pete. And should he clinch the nomination, he’d break through one of the last glass ceilings in American politics: becoming the first openly gay presidential nominee of a major political party.

Talk about redefining the “straight” path to the White House.

Over on the GOP Side…

Meanwhile, in Republican-land, the Emerson poll showed a very different frontrunner: Vice President J.D. Vance. The once-best-selling author turned MAGA loyalist took a commanding 46% of GOP support. Vance was miles ahead of his closest rival, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who mustered just 12%.

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said Vance has “solidified himself as the frontrunner in the 2028 nomination contest,” especially among male GOP voters and those over 60. It’s a stark reflection of the party’s current direction – and a potential showdown in the making for 2028.

What About Trump?

For the first time this year, the Emerson poll recorded a net negative approval rating for former President Donald Trump. Forty-six percent of respondents disapproved of the job he’s doing, while 45% approved. It’s a statistical squeaker, but notable given Trump’s longstanding dominance among GOP voters.

And looking even closer to the horizon, the 2026 midterms are showing early signs of a Democratic edge. Emerson’s numbers suggest independents are currently favoring Democrats over Republicans 37% to 27%, though a hefty 36% of independents are still undecided.

Queer Futures on the Ballot

For LGBTQ+ Americans, Buttigieg’s strong showing in this early polling isn’t just a political footnote – it’s a cultural milestone. His rise comes amid ongoing political attacks on queer communities, including legislation targeting trans rights, drag performers, and inclusive education.

If there’s ever been a time for queer leadership in American politics, it’s now. And voters, it seems, are taking notice.

So, while 2028 may still be three years away, one thing’s for sure: Pete Buttigieg’s political star is shining brighter than ever – and if the polls are any indication, the road to the White House might just be rainbow-paved.