Khalid announces first album since being outed as gay: ‘I’m taking my power back’

R&B singer Khalid has announced his first album since being outed as gay, telling fans that he’s reclaiming his “power back”.

Last year, the American musician came out publicly as gay after he was outed on social media. He hit back, declaring at the time that he was “never hiding” and is “not ashamed” of his sexuality. 

Born Khalid Donnel Robinson, the star posted a rainbow flag emoji and responded at the time: “there yall go. next topic please lol”. A fan then asked whether he was gay, to which he simply replied: “I am! And that’s okay”.

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Singer-songwriter Khalid has announced his fourth studio album, “After the Sun Goes Down”, which is set to be released on 10 October under Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records. The announcement, made public on 15 August, was accompanied by the debut single “In Plain Sight”, a catchy pop-soul track Khalid described as “about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely.” He shared his excitement with fans, emphasising that this new chapter marks a personal as well as musical evolution.“After the Sun Goes Down” will be Khalid’s first album since coming out as gay. He confirmed his sexuality on 22 November 2024 after being outed, telling fans: “I got outed and the world still continues to turn… I am not ashamed of my sexuality.” #khalid #comingout #gay #afterthesungoesdown #musictok #sexuality

♬ Better – Khalid

On Friday (15 August), the “Young Dumb & Broke” hitmaker shared the name of his upcoming album, After The Sun Goes Down, and the accompanying album art.

Set for release on 10 October, the album will describe Khalid’s experience of living as his most authentic self, and will also explore themes of love and self-expression. 

“This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely,” the singer said via a press release.

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A post shared by Khalid (@thegr8khalid)

“I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally.”

He has also released the lead single from the album, “In Plain Sight”, and its accompanying music video, marking more of an upbeat sound compared to his 2024 release, Sincere.

The star told Billboard Canada before the album release that the upcoming album is set to see not only his “moody side, but the fun side. The flirty side.”

“My new era of music feels like I’m finally ready to be the artist I’ve always dreamt of being,” he told the outlet. 

“It goes back to the regressions of when I was a child — imagining myself and thinking, ‘I want to be this artist one day.’ Now I feel like I have the confidence to finally be that artist.”

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