Despite strong hints from Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Friday suggesting that Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan would perform at its official after-party, his Australian record label's publicist has denied any such plans.
"Troye is not performing, nor has he been confirmed to attend Mardi Gras this year," a spokeswoman at EMI, Sivan's Australian label, told Gay Sydney News on Friday night. Despite this, one source close to Sivan indicated to us that he will be in Sydney during Mardi Gras. Count us confused!
Sydney Mardi Gras unveiled its seemingly final line-up for the March 1 after-party on Friday, featuring a notable new entrant, US singer Brett Leland McLaughlin, known by his stage name Leland. He joins other headliners including US DJ Honey Dijon and English vocalists Romy and Hayla.
Mardi Gras revealed Leland's addition to the party lineup in an Instagram post and creatively paired the news with Troye Sivan's song "Rush". The lineup poster also intriguingly included the phrase "& friends" following Leland's name, hinting at more collaborations on the night.
Sivan's brother, known professionally as Tyde Levi, also commented "yesyesyesyesyesyes" on the post.
Last year at Sydney Mardi Gras, Sivan and Leland were spotted together at several events, including at Queer Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW. The duo has collaborated musically as well, with Leland earning writing credits on multiple Sivan tracks, including the hit "1999" featuring Charli XCX.
Speculation is rife that Charli XCX might also join Leland at the Mardi Gras after-party. Charli XCX is scheduled to perform in Sydney next weekend at Laneway, with her last Australian show in Perth on February 16 before she heads to Mexico for an April 5 performance.
As of now, there's no official word from Mardi Gras about the attendance of either Sivan or Charli XCX at the after-party. Mardi Gras has been contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, remaining tickets for the after-party are available for $246.95 each, including the booking fee.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: [email protected]
