Troye Sivan has returned to the music scene with his latest single, “She’s the Best,” which was officially released on 14 August. The track, featuring vocals from fellow artist Charli XCX, pays tribute to women, notably transgender women, and is accompanied by a visually striking music video starring actress Nicole Kidman and RuPaul’s Drag Race champion, Sasha Colby.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Troye-Sivan-Nicole-Kidman-shes-the-best-081426-eb29cd1d8db94f0b95c1f07f1a04b0bf.jpg)
Co-written by Sivan, Jack Antonoff, Styalz Fuego, and George Daniel of The 1975, “She’s the Best” forms part of Sivan’s upcoming album, which shares its name and is set to be released on 9 October. The song marks a new chapter for Sivan following his previous album, *Something to Give Each Other*, and is poised to make a significant impact in the pop music landscape.
The lyrics of “She’s the Best” convey Sivan’s admiration for an unnamed woman, expressing his appreciation in a heartfelt manner. The chorus underscores this affection with the simple yet profound line, “Wow, that girl, she’s the best.” Sivan’s powerful vocals are complemented by a soft, melodic background that beautifully frames his message.
In the music video, we first see Nicole Kidman, 59, make a striking entrance, clad in sunglasses and smoking a cigarette. The scene is set in an urban café, where Sivan is depicted watching Kidman enter a vibrant nightclub bustling with life. Throughout the video, viewers witness the interactions between Sivan and various women, culminating in a scene where he and Kidman dance intimately while she gently caresses his face.
A particularly notable moment occurs when the Grammy-nominated artist appears in drag, a bold choice that highlights Sivan’s commitment to celebrating diverse identities and expressions. This scene sees him sporting an elegant platinum blonde updo while standing alongside Kidman, who continues to smoke, encapsulating a fusion of glamour and grit.
Before the public release of the video, Sivan hosted an exclusive preview screening at the Metrograph in New York City. During a Q&A session, he shared insights about casting Kidman, mentioning his initial concerns regarding her hectic schedule. Sivan recalled anxiously awaiting Kidman’s responses, worried that each notification might reveal that she was unable to participate. Thankfully, she surprised him by confirming her involvement.
In an interview with *Rolling Stone*, Sivan elaborated on the significance of Charli XCX’s feature in the outro of “She’s the Best.” He described the connection he shares with her, alongside George Daniel, saying, “Charli is obviously a very, very, very special person to both of us,” making her presence on the track deeply meaningful.
The cover art for Sivan’s forthcoming album depicts model Anna Bloda, styled in a glamorously edgy way, capturing the essence of the music video. The image portrays her smoking outside in New York City, framed by glimmering rhinestoned nipple pasties that echo the song’s celebration of femininity and self-expression.
Reflecting on the upcoming album, Sivan describes it as “a painting that captures my life in all of its moods and colours.” He notes that the project explores the contrasts between exuberant highs and the intense feelings of solitude experienced in recent years. According to Sivan, the music represents a layered, organic, and lively depiction of his artistic self.
Sivan attributes much of his personal stability to the supportive women in his life, stating, “Thank god for them.” This affirmation resonates with the message of “She’s the Best”, as he champions the importance of feminine connections in his journey, demonstrating both vulnerability and strength through his artistry.
As anticipation builds for both the single and the album, it’s clear that Troye Sivan is set to make waves with this promising new era of music. His commitment to celebrating womanhood and diverse identities through his lyrics and visuals positions him as a significant voice in contemporary pop culture, inviting his audience to embrace both joy and complexity in their experiences.