Khalid Embraces Being Outed as a ‘Blessing in Disguise’ Amidst Harsh Repercussions
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Khalid, the renowned singer-songwriter, recently shared his journey of embracing his sexuality after being outed by an ex on social media, a move he now considers a pivotal turning point in his life. The unexpected revelation not only unlocked a deeper well of creativity for Khalid but also served as the inspiration behind his upcoming album, “After the Sun Goes Down,” set to be released on Friday, Oct. 10. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Khalid, now 27, expressed how this experience has allowed him to tell his story authentically and unapologetically.
Despite achieving success in the music industry with five Grammy nominations and collaborations with notable artists such as Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish, Khalid confesses that he had been holding back in his previous albums. The pressure to strike a balance between revealing his true self and conforming to societal expectations as an artist led Khalid to keep his sexuality a private matter until he was involuntarily outed online. Reflecting on the incident, Khalid admits feeling stripped of his own narrative but ultimately chose self-acceptance as his path forward.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Khalid shares, “I decided I’m just going to choose to love who I am unconditionally because it’s all I got on this earth.” This newfound sense of liberation became the driving force behind the creation of his latest album. Khalid drew inspiration from the music that resonated with him during his formative years and aimed to craft a sound that reflected his authentic self. The album serves as a tribute to the pop icons who influenced his artistic journey, allowing him to embrace a side of himself that had long been suppressed.
In the music video for his song “Out of Body,” Khalid boldly showcases his newfound confidence and unapologetically celebrates his queerness. The video features intimate scenes with a male backup dancer, depicting a steamy romance set against a captivating beat reminiscent of early 2000s pop culture. This departure from his previous work signifies a significant shift for Khalid, who made his mark with heartfelt pop-R&B hits like “Young Dumb & Broke.” Through this visual representation of his truth, Khalid invites his audience to witness his journey of embracing vulnerability and fearlessly expressing his authentic self.
As Khalid prepares to unveil his latest artistic endeavour to the world, he acknowledges the significance of representing his queerness through his music. His friends have noted a newfound confidence and authenticity in his work, prompting questions about this evolution in his artistry. Khalid’s album, “After the Sun Goes Down,” stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to embracing his identity and sharing his story with relentless courage and honesty.
For more insights into Khalid’s journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution, grab a copy of the upcoming issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands starting Friday. Stay tuned to witness Khalid’s inspiring narrative unfold as he paves the way for greater inclusivity and authenticity in the music industry.