Khalid comes out, Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam

Khalid comes out as gay after being “outed”

Singer-songwriter Khalid confirmed he is a member of the LGBTQ+ community through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter).

The “Young, Dumb, & Broke” hitmaker first posted a pride flag emoji and wrote “there [y’all] go. next topic please lol.”

In a later post, he explained that he felt the need to come out publicly because he was “[outed.]”

“I got [outed] and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality!” the 26-year-old singer remarked.

“In reality it ain’t [nobody's] business! But I am okay with me 🖤 love y’all,” he added.

He further asserted that he was “never hiding” when he replied to a fan who told him that “the closet was glass.”

The singer then thanked his fans for the love and understanding that he received following his announcement. “Thank you for all the support,” he posted on his Instagram story.

Khalid is known for his hit songs “Better,” “Location,” “OTW,” and “Talk.” Earlier this year, he released his third studio album titled Sincere.

Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne

Singer Zayn Malik honored his former bandmate Liam Payne during his first show after the latter’s passing.

At the end of his performance, a message was displayed on the screen of the Leeds O2 Academy: “Love you, bro,” alongside Liam’s name with his birth and death dates.

This short but heartfelt message was the same caption that Zayn used on his Instagram post last October 18, where he shared how heartbroken he was over Liam’s loss.

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” Zayn wrote.

“I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace 🙏 and you know how loved you are. Love you, bro,” he added.

Liam passed away on October 16 after falling from the third-floor of his hotel balcony during a trip in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was only 31 years old.

Following his former bandmate’s untimely death, Zayn had to postpone the US leg of his Stairway to the Sky Tour.

He also had to reschedule two of his shows in its UK leg, particularly in Edinburgh, to attend Payne’s funeral on November 20.

The funeral was also attended by the other members of One Direction—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan—marking the first time they were seen together since the band's disbandment in 2016.

The More You Know

• Red Velvet’s IRENE has released the music video teaser to the title track of her upcoming solo mini album Like A Flower. It will be out on November 26.

• BTS' V has unveiled the first official teaser for his new single, “Winter Ahead,” featuring Park Hyo Shin. The track will be available on streaming platforms starting November 29 at 12 AM ET.

• Wicked broke records with a massive $46.7 million opening day, marking the biggest opening day ever for a musical adaptation in domestic box office history.

• During a live stream with Kai Cenat, SZA announced plans to release a new album before the end of the year.

• Destiny’s Child had a mini reunion as Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland visited Michelle Williams to support her Broadway performance in the new musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her.

— Bea Bertuldo

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