Lil Nas X first broke through with his viral hit "Old Town Road" in 2019. In 2021, he released his self-titled debut album "Montero." The album spawned the hits "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" and "Industry Baby," two of the biggest songs of 2021.
Montero has caused controversy with his provocative music videos and live performances. He has ushered in a new wave of gay male representation in popular music.
He recently sat down with James Corden for his very own Carpool Karaoke segment. During the chat, Montero revealed he's met some "well known" men on the dating app Raya. However, he also said the experiences convinced him not to date famous men in the future.
Lil Nas X Confirmed His Relationship With Dancer Yai Ariza To Variety In 2021
In 2021, Montero was on top of the world. He had two of the biggest songs of the year with "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" and "Industry Baby." He also released his self-titled debut album to impressive sales and rave reviews.
That same year, the singer opened up to Variety when he graced the cover of their Power of Young Hollywood issue. In the article, Montero opened up about his own discovery that he was gay. He also talked about his first real relationship.
"I was 18, I believe," Montero said. "Before that, there was a guy who wasn't my boyfriend, but we met in middle school and we talked, after we both found out that each other were gay. But I didn't act on anything until high school — well, middle school, but then high school."
In October 2020, he revealed to CR Men that he was dating someone.
"I'm dating someone right now," he said. "We're not in a relationship yet, but it's been on and off for the past few months. I'm maybe going to try to go steady this time."
It's unclear if Montero was dating the same guy when speaking to Variety. However, he confirmed he was in a relationship when speaking to the outlet.
"I've had some good boyfriends and some bad ones. A lot of them were emotionally unavailable or had a lot of insecurity and whatnot," Montero said. "I've found someone special now. I think this is the one. I can't explain it — it's just a feeling."
The identity of Montero's mystery man turned out to be his backup dancer Yai Ariza, who he kissed on stage at the BET Awards that same year. Ariza would also appear as Montero's love interest in his "That's What I Want" music video.
The Couple Split That Same Year And Montero Said He Wasn't Ready For Relationships Just Yet
In October 2021, Montero confirmed the end of his relationship with Ariza in an interview with SiriusXM's Hits 1 LA. Montero would later speak to GQ and reflect on the responsibility a relationship requires.
"It's a responsibility. I've been wanting somebody for so long and wanting somebody to love for so long, but it's a real responsibility," Montero said. "And you have to give this person your time. And I like to go missing for like a week to focus … not talk to anyone and focus on myself. And I'm more in love with what I'm doing than people."
Montero also made it clear that he didn't have any hard feelings toward his ex.
"I started actually dating my last boyfriend this past year, who I'm still on really good terms with," he said. "I love him to death. He's the best. I feel it was the most serious relationship I've ever had."
Still, Montero sounded unsure whether he would be dating seriously in the near future.
"I feel I still want to hang out with guys every now and then," Montero said. "I don't want anything that's—not to be a whore or anything, but I don't want anything that's like, 'I need your time right now.'"
He also said that he doesn't need to date just for the sake of affection.
"Sometimes, when you get sad or whatnot, you just want to go with somebody and cuddle and kiss and hug," he said. "And I love to do that. But ultimately, I feel I've gotten to a place where I have enough love for me that I can focus on myself."
Montero did conclude, however, that he isn't opposed to the idea of falling in love.
"When the time comes [for love], I'm not going to force it or anything," he said. "There'll be somebody, and I'll say, 'Okay, I want to make this person a priority.'"
Montero Discusses Using Raya During His Carpool Karaoke Segment And Said He Doesn't Want To Date Celebrities
He's won Grammys, VMAs, and now, Montero has received another monumental accolade... his very own Carpool Karaoke segment.
During his chat with James Corden in 2023, Montero revealed that he has used the dating app Raya. The app is private and membership-based. It's also said to be used by many celebrities and public figures.
"I used to utilize Raya," Montero said. "It's very much like, tumbled off for myself and I just began to meet individuals face to face. Also, Raya is really popular, everybody's renowned on there. I've met many well known folks. I think I've come to realize that I could do without dating celebrities."
Corden asked Montero if any of his dates ever appeared on Carpool Karaoke, to which he said yes. Corden then jokingly asked if one of the men was Michael Bublé.
"I won't tell you... Michael Bublé?! ... No doubt, definitely," Montero answered. "You got me. Might you at any point envision? Michael Bublé is gay?... He's hot and he has an amazing voice."
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