Rita Ora has an exciting challenge ahead of her at the World Pride Music Festival—deciding which of her dance-pop hits to perform. In a lively Zoom chat from Los Angeles, the pop powerhouse jotted down song ideas, teased her upcoming fourth album, and opened up on everything from collaborating with Troye Sivan to touring with Kylie Minogue.
1. Rita Ora’s Dream Setlist for World Pride
When asked whether “Radioactive,” the electrifying final single from her debut album Ora, would make the cut, she laughed, “I forgot about that song! I need to write it down.” After rapid-fire suggestions—“Poison,” “Bang Bang”—she settled on including “I Will Never Let You Down” and fan favorite “Let You Love Me.”
Her spontaneity underscores a career spanning three albums since 2012’s chart-topper “Hot Right Now.” For more on her festival appearance, visit the World Pride Music Festival official site.
2. New Beginnings: The Anticipation of Album Four
Work on her upcoming fourth album began last September with a mood board of words—simple, intentional, unapologetic. “I want everyone to feel like they’re in a whirlwind of Rita world,” she explains.
She compares her vision to Charli XCX’s Brat rollout: “That was marketing genius,” she gushes. Recording wrapped in January, and now it’s “all about how I’m gonna present it to the world,” she beams.
3. Summer Vibes: “Heat” ft. Troye Sivan
Her latest single, “Heat,” co-written with Troye Sivan and Leland, embodies a return to her “sexy girl era.” With sultry beats and a sizzling video, it reflects newfound confidence. “My last album was very heart-driven,” she notes. “This time, it’s about embracing my skin and feeling sexy.”
Collaborating with Sivan was a celebration: “He was like, ‘Yes, queen! Let’s go,’” she recalls. Their synergy promises an even bigger spotlight for queer artistry in mainstream pop.
4. Pride and Community: A Deep Connection
Ever a vocal ally, she describes Pride as “everything to me.” After moving to London, she found her tribe among LGBTQ+ friends at raves where she realized, “This is it. I want to be a performer.”
“I always make time for Pride,” she insists. “My LGBTQIA+ fans have kept me in the mix—honest, authentic, accepting me through highs and lows.” Learn more about her support for the community in our News section.
5. Facing UK Survey Ruling: A Moment for Advocacy
Rita grew reflective when discussing the recent UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “sex” and its impact on trans rights. “It’s heartbreaking. I get so angry,” she admits. She praises activists like Hunter Schafer for their courage.
“I hope revellers feel free to be who they want at my shows,” she promises, highlighting the role artists play in affirming queer identities during challenging times. For background, see this BBC report on the ruling.
6. Insights from Touring with Kylie Minogue
Opening for pop icon Kylie Minogue taught her that touring is like athletic training. “Kylie is an Olympic gold medalist in this industry,” she laughs. Their conversations on stagecraft and career longevity inspired Ora to push her own performances to new heights.
7. Balancing Fame and Authenticity
At 34, she’s also a TV judge on The Masked Singer and The Voice, a fashion collaborator for Adidas and Primark, and an actress in 50 Shades and Descendants. Yet she stays grounded: “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m honest with my fans,” she says. This sincerity fuels her connection with audiences and cements her status as more than a pop star—she’s a storyteller.
Conclusion
From setlist spontaneity to sober reflections on rights and representation, these seven revelations show why Rita Ora remains a dynamic force in pop and an unwavering LGBTQ+ ally. Catch her at World Pride on June 6 in Washington, D.C., and stay tuned for her fourth album—coming soon.
For the latest LGBTQ+ community news, visit our News page and join the conversation below—your voice matters!
