Spotlight Artist: Todrick Hall

A kween whose songs we absolutely love

Photo Courtesy of Elite Daily

If you've been to a few of our classes, chances are you've heard at least one song by this incredibly talented artist. Todrick Hall is an American singer and actor and strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. As a child, he always knew he was a bit "different" and enjoyed activities that were not traditionally deemed "masculine" or suitable for boys, such as playing with dolls. He came out to his family as gay when he was fifteen, however it took them a few years to accept this. Todrick found a strong passion for the performing arts from a young age. He began classically training in ballet at the age of 9, and went on to pursue his career as a performer, touring with Disney, Radio City, and more. 

Hall made his official debut on the popular televised singing competition American Idol, even getting as far as the semi final round. In an intimate interview, Todrick disclosed that his experience on American Idol was a turning point in his life and how he decided to portray himself to the world. He felt pressure to appeal to societal norms and hide his sexuality on television, as he says "Being an openly gay black man was not a thing you’d say on national television in 2010."  He revealed, "I was someone else and I was inauthentic. I wasn’t behaving, acting or speaking like I normally would... I made a vow to myself and I came to the point where I had to decide that I never wanted to do that again, even if it meant I’d be slightly less successful.

“I’ve made a vow to at least be myself and do everything in my power to trailblaze a path that young people of colour and young queer people would be able to follow.”

He subsequently built a large following through his Youtube channel, where he would produce, direct, choreograph and star in music videos, parodies, original songs and more -- many of these videos being empowering videos and celebrating his sexuality. Todrick has racked up an impressive resumé as a performer, working with artists such as Taylor Swift and starring in several Broadway productions, his most iconic role being the drag queen Lola in the hugely successful musical Kinky Boots.

Most recently, he is well-known for starring in RuPaul's drag race as a judge and choreographer. 

Beyond his work in the entertainment industry, he has teamed up with campaigns such as The Trevor Project, The City of West Hollywood, HIV Equal and HIV Beats to help raise awareness of several issues within the LGBTQ community.*We cannot get enough of his fierce, infectiously upbeat and empowering songs. All of his songs exude confidence and the importance self-love and self-acceptance, which is precisely what we love and encourage everyone to practice. So, next time you happen to be feeling a little down, simply crank up a Toddy song and dance it out! 
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(*Extracted from Todrick's official page)

Other source:

https://hypebae.com/2019/6/todrick-hall-pride-month-interview-broadway-album-release-lgbtq-creative