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Omar Apollo
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Key Information
Omar Apolonio Velasco (born May 20, 1997), known professionally as Omar Apollo, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. After signing a record deal with Warner Records, his debut album, Ivory, was released in 2022 to positive reviews and earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Apollo sings in both English and Spanish.
Early life and career
[edit]Early life
[edit]Omar Apolonio Velasco was born on May 20, 1997, in Hobart, Indiana to Mexican parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.[4] He grew up in Indiana with his three older siblings.[5] Apollo's parents both worked multiple jobs to support the family.[6] His family had a taco shop before he was born called El Super Taco which popularized his family's hot sauce that he would later sell as Disha Hot Sauce.[7] As a child, Apollo was a ballet folklorico dancer and he was also a part of his Catholic church choir.[5]
At the age of 12, Apollo's parents bought him a guitar at his request; however, it was an electric guitar without a guitar amplifier. Apollo traded the electric guitar for an acoustic guitar at a pawn shop.[8] At age 17, he worked at McDonald's to save up enough money to buy a laptop and then a microphone which he used to learn how to sing and play by watching and mimicking YouTube cover videos.[9]
Apollo was also taught by his uncle and he played music at church;[8] he formed a short-lived band with a friend at the church.[1]
2017–2020: Career beginnings, breakthrough and debut mixtape Apolonio
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Apollo created and uploaded his songs to SoundCloud, a platform with DIY streaming.[5] At the time he worked at Jimmy John's and Guitar Center, and he lived in an attic.[10] In 2017, using $30 borrowed from a friend, he uploaded his song "Ugotme" to Spotify, where it was soon added to the platform's Fresh Finds and racked up 20,000 streams in a day.[5] A year later, the song had more than 15 million streams.[6]
He released his first EP, Stereo, in 2018, which was similarly well received.[2] In 2018 and 2019, Apollo went on two tours, the "Want Tour" and the "Voyager Tour." His second EP, Friends, was released in April 2019.[1][11] The EP featured production by rock producer John Shanks, who had previously worked with artists such as Michelle Branch and Melissa Etheridge.[1] Apollo is managed by Shanks' son, Dylan, whom he met over Twitter in July 2017 when the latter booked Apollo for a university show at NYU.[1][8] Apollo signed with Artists Without A Label earlier that year and performed at SXSW as part of a showcase with the group.[2] He went on a European tour in 2019 and played at Lollapalooza as well as Tropicália.[1][12] In late 2019, Apollo released the singles, "Frío" and "Hit Me Up" which are collaborations with producer Kenny Beats.[13][14] In April 2020, Apollo released the single "Imagine U", another collaboration with Kenny Beats.[15]
On August 7, 2020, Apollo released the lead single "Stayback" from his debut mixtape;[16] and two weeks later released a remix[17] featuring Bootsy Collins, whom Apollo has cited as an influence.[18] On September 10, he released the second single "Kamikaze."[19] On September 25, Apollo appeared on alternative R&B Japanese singer Joji's second album Nectar on the track "High Hopes."[20] Apollo released two more singles, "Dos Uno Nueve (219)" and "Want U Around" (featuring Ruel) before releasing his first mixtape Apolonio on October 16, 2020.[21]
2021–present: Ivory, Live for Me and God Said No
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Apollo was featured on "Te olvidaste" by Spanish artist C. Tangana on his 2021 album El Madrileño. The song received two Latin Grammy Awards nominations for Record of the Year and Best Alternative Song.[22] At the 65th Grammy Awards, Apollo was nominated for Best New Artist, his first Grammy nomination.[23]
In 2021, Apollo released the single "Go Away", including a music video and a live performance on The Tonight Show.[24][25] He followed up with the single "Bad Life" featuring Kali Uchis, their second collaboration; "Hey Boy" from Apolonio was the first.[26] In February 2022, Apollo released the single "Invincible" featuring Daniel Caesar and announced the release date for his debut album.[27] The next month he released the singles "Killing Me" which included a live performance on The Tonight Show as well as "Tamagotchi," which was co-written and produced by The Neptunes.[28] With the release of "Tamagotchi", Apple Music Up Next selected him as its featured artist for the month in April 2022.
Apollo released his debut studio album Ivory on April 8, 2022, and embarked on the Desvelado tour supporting the album. The album received mostly positive reviews with praises going towards Apollo's musical growth and vocal performance.[29] It entered the Billboard 200 chart, marking his first-ever entry on the chart.[30] The deluxe version of the album, Ivory (Marfil), was released on August 12, 2022.[31] In September 2022, the track "Evergreen" went viral on TikTok which helped boost the song to enter the Spotify and Apple Music charts and eventually debut on Billboard Hot 100 at number 62 for the week ending of October 1, 2022, earning Apollo his first-ever entry on the chart.[32][33][34] In response to the rapid success, the song was chosen as the album's next single and was sent to contemporary hit radio on October 4, 2022, making it his first-ever radio single.[35]
In addition to solo tours, Apollo also performed at the Coachella, Something in the Water, and All Points East music festivals in 2022. In early 2023, he opened for SZA on her SOS Tour.[36] Later in 2023, Apollo was announced as the ambassador for the skincare brand Youth to the People.[37] Omar also starred in the fall/winter 2023 men's campaign for the fashion house Loewe.[38] In September, Apollo was honored with the Inspira Award at the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards.[39]
In April 2024, Omar released the single "Spite," the first release from his second album God Said No.[40] This was followed by the May 16 release of the second single "Dispose of Me".
The 14-track set was written over the course of a three-month stay in London in 2023, and was inspired by poets Mary Oliver, Victoria Chang, and Ocean Vuong. God Said No was recorded in London's Abbey Road Studios with executive producer Teo Halm with features from Mustafa and actor Pedro Pascal. The title was inspired by a friend's assessment of his recently ended relationship, which Apollo described as "I gave it my everything, and God said 'no.'" The album was released on June 28, 2024.[41] In September 2024, Apollo made his acting debut in the Luca Guadagnino film Queer.
In 2023 Omar Apollo was the cover of issue 17 of Gayletter, photographed by Fabian Guerrero.[42] In December 2024, Omar was named as part of Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 Music 2025 list.[43]
Artistry and influences
[edit]Apollo's music has primarily been described as R&B, alternative R&B, and pop[44][45][46][47] with elements of soul, funk, hip hop,[47][48] latin music, trap,[44] and bedroom pop.[48]
While growing up, he listened to his parents' favorite musicians such as Pedro Infante, Los Panchos and the Beatles.[5] His own influences include diverse musicians like Neil Young, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Prince, Bootsy Collins, Rick James, and The Internet, a r&b band.[1] When speaking to Billboard, Apollo listed Minnie Riperton's Perfect Angel, Whitney Houston's self-titled album, Nirvana's Nevermind, Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as inspiration for his musical career.[46]
Personal life
[edit]Apollo's parents encouraged him to attend college; however Apollo dropped out after two weeks to pursue a musical career.[9] He has Mexican citizenship.[49]
Apollo is gay and has denied queerbaiting allegations saying, 'It's not a choice, it's just what I am. [...] I'm totally aware of the privilege we have now to be ourselves and still have a career [...] people thought I was queerbaiting before. I wasn't super open about my sexuality, but people were hearing things. [...] It had a lot to do with me growing up in Indiana which is very conservative. I stopped putting pronouns in my music for a couple of years then I just realized, I can't let other people's opinions influence and dictate my life.[50][51] In 2022 a tweet of his went viral addressing the queerbaiting rumors where he responded to a fan saying "i like his song but i don't like supporting straight men doing queerbaiting." Apollo wrote back "no i be sucking d-k fr" ... "from the back."[52] In an interview in 2022, Apollo said, "I feel like in the beginning, [...] I was trying to keep the mystique. But I don't even care anymore [...] now I'm just like, I'm very gay."[53][44][54]
As of August 2024, Apollo resides in Pasadena, California.[55]
Discography
[edit]| Omar Apollo discography | |
|---|---|
| Studio albums | 2 |
| EPs | 3 |
| Singles | 30 |
| Music videos | 17 |
| Mixtapes | 1 |
| Reissue | 1 |
| Other charted songs | 2 |
| Guest appearances | 5 |
Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [30] |
US Heat [56] |
AUS [57] | |||
| Ivory | 74 | 1 | — | ||
| God Said No | 56 | — | 11 | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart on the respective ranking. | |||||
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Heat [56] | ||
| Apolonio |
|
12 |
EPs
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Heat [56] | |||
| Stereo |
|
— | |
| Friends |
|
19 | |
| Live at NPR's Tiny Desk |
|
— | |
| Live for Me |
|
— | |
| God Said No - Live |
|
— | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart on the respective ranking. | |||
Reissues
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Ivory (Marfil) |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [32] |
AUS [59] |
CAN [60] |
IRE [61] |
NZ [62] |
UK [63] |
WW [64] | ||||
| "Pram"[65] | 2017 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Ugotme"[66] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Stereo | ||
| "Brakelights"[67] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | ||
| "Algo"[68] (featuring Drayco McCoy) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Unbothered"[69] | 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Heart"[70] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Erase"[71] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Stereo | ||
| "Ignorin"[72] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Today"[73] (featuring Teo Halm) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | Skate Kitchen (OST) | ||
| "Trouble"[74] | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Friends | |
| "Ashamed"[75] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Friends"[76] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "So Good"[77] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Frío"[78] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | ||
| "Hit Me Up"[79] (with Dominic Fike and Kenny Beats) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Imagine U"[80] | 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Stayback"[81] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Apolonio | ||
| "Kamikaze"[82] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Dos Uno Nueve (219)"[83] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Want U Around"[84] (featuring Ruel) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Go Away"[85] | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Ivory | |
| "Bad Life"[86] (featuring Kali Uchis) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Invincible"[87] (featuring Daniel Caesar) |
2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Killing Me"[88] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Tamagotchi"[89] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Archetype"[90] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Ivory (Marfil) | ||
| "Highlight"[91] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)"[35] | 51 | 33 | 43 | 25 | 12 | 31 | 59 | Ivory | ||
| "3 Boys"[95] | 2023 | —[a] | — | — | — | —[b] | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Ice Slippin"[98] | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Live for Me | ||
| "Live for Me"[99] | — | — | — | — | —[c] | — | — | |||
| "Spite"[101] | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | God Said No | |
| "Dispose of Me"[102] | —[d] | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Te Maldigo"[103] | — | — | — | — | — | [e] | — | Queer | ||
| "Hecho Para Ti"[106] (with Latin Mafia) |
2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart on the respective ranking. | ||||||||||
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Rock [96] | |||
| "12:34 AM"[107] (Billy Lemos featuring Omar Apollo and Maxwell Young) |
2017 | — | Self |
| "Day by Day"[108] (Burns Twins featuring Sam Hudgens and Omar Apollo) |
— | Non-album single | |
| "Bleed"[109] (Malcolm Todd featuring Omar Apollo) |
2025 | 20 | Malcolm Todd |
Other charted songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Rock [96] |
SPA [110] | |||
| "High Hopes" (Joji featuring Omar Apollo) |
2020 | 31 | — | Nectar |
| "Te Olvidaste" (C. Tangana with Omar Apollo) |
2021 | — | 17 | El Madrileño |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart on the respective ranking. | ||||
Guest appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Feel Good"[111] | 2017 | Kopano | Just in Time for Love |
| "Ipanema"[112] | 2019 | Still Woozy, Elujay | Lately |
| "Late Night Lovin'"[113] | Deaton Chris Anthony, Jean Dawson, Korbin in Orbit | BO Y | |
| "Care"[114] | 2021 | Benny Blanco | Friends Keep Secrets 2 |
| "Still"[115] | 2022 | Kenny Beats | Louie |
| "Worth the Wait"[116] | 2023 | Kali Uchis | Red Moon in Venus |
| "Buyer's Remorse"[117] | Daniel Caesar | Never Enough | |
| "Living Alone" | 2026 | Jack Harlow | Monica |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Director |
|---|---|---|
| "W/U" / "JRUGZ" | 2017 | Lonewolf, Vin |
| "Pram" / "Brakelights" | Darien Eldridge, Vin, Lonewolf | |
| "Unbothered" | 2018 | Kevin Lombardo |
| "Ugotme" | Mikey Alfred | |
| "Ignorin" | Lonewolf | |
| "Erase" | Kevin Lombardo | |
| "Trouble" | 2019 | Aidan Cullen |
| "Ashamed" | Jimmy Regular | |
| "So Good" | Kevin Lombardo | |
| "Kickback" | Matthew Dillon Cohen | |
| "Stayback" | 2020 | Aidan Cullen |
| "Kamikaze" | ||
| "Go Away" | 2021 | Jenna Marsh |
| "Bad Life" (featuring Kali Uchis) |
Alfred Marroquin and Omar Apollo | |
| "Invincible" (featuring Daniel Caesar) |
2022 | Stillz |
| "Tamagotchi" | Jake Nava | |
| "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me At All)" | rubberband | |
| "Ice Slippin" | 2023 | |
| "Live For Me" | David Heofs (Bandiz) | |
| "Spite" | 2024 | |
| "Done With You"[118] | Mitch Ryan |
Songwriting credits
[edit]| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Amanecer"[119] | 2024 | Danna Paola | Childstar |
Tours
[edit]Headlining
- The W.A.N.T. Tour (2018)[120]
- The Voyager Tour (2019)[121]
- The Speed of Sound Tour (2019)[122]
- Desvelado Tour (2022)
- The Prototype Tour (2022)
- God Said No World Tour[123] (2024)
Supporting
- SZA - SOS Tour (2023)
- Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever, The World Tour (2023)
Filmography
[edit]Accolades and achievements
[edit]| Award | Year[f] | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLAAD Media Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist | Nominated | [126] |
| 2025 | God Said No | Outstanding Music Artist | Nominated | [127] | |
| GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards | 2024 | Omar Apollo | International Artist of the Year | Won | [128] |
| Grammy Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Best New Artist | Nominated | [23] |
| Hispanic Heritage Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Inspira Award | Won | [129] |
| Latin Grammy Awards | 2021 | "Te Olvidaste" (with C. Tangana) | Record of the Year | Nominated | [130] |
| Best Alternative Song | Nominated | ||||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2022 | Omar Apollo | Best Push | Nominated | [131] |
| Logo30 | 2025 | Omar Apollo | Honoree | Won | [132][non-primary source needed] |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2022 | "Tamagotchi" | Push Performance of the Year | Nominated | [133] |
| Queerties Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Best Breakout Musical Artist | Runner-up | [134] |
| 2024 | "Ice Slippin" | Best Anthem | Nominated | [135] | |
| 2025 | "Spite" | Best Anthem | Nominated | [136] | |
| Rolling Stone en Español Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Breakout Star of the Year | Nominated | [137] |
| UK Music Video Awards | 2022 | "Invincible" (featuring Daniel Caesar) | Best R&B/Soul Video – International | Won | [138] |
| 2024 | "Spite" | Nominated | [139] | ||
| "Dispose of Me" | Best Live Video | Nominated | |||
| Variety Hitmakers | 2022 | Omar Apollo | Future Icon | Won | [140] |
| WOWIE Awards | 2023 | Omar Apollo | Best New Artist | Nominated | [141] |
Notes
[edit]- ^ "3 Boys" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but did chart at No. 27 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.[96]
- ^ "3 Boys" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 36 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[97]
- ^ "Live for Me" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 33 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[100]
- ^ "Dispose of Me" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but did chart at No. 38 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts.[96]
- ^ "Te Maldigo" did not enter the UK Singles Chart but did chart at No. 39 on the Official Vinyl Singles Chart[104] and No. 77 on the UK Singles Sales Chart.[105]
- ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Norris, John (June 4, 2019). "A Conversation with Omar Apollo, the Soul, Funk, Rock and Hip-Hop Showman Who's One of the Most Refreshingly Real Rising Stars Around". Lyrical Lemonade. Archived from the original on October 10, 2022.
- ^ a b c "AWAL signs global recordings deal with Omar Apollo". Music Business Worldwide. March 4, 2019.
- ^ "WARNER INKS OMAR APOLLO". HITS Magazine. April 1, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
- ^ "Disha Hot". dishahot.com. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Domanick, Andrea (June 11, 2019). "Omar Apollo's homegrown funk". The FADER. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Blistein, Jon (August 6, 2019). "Omar Apollo Wants to Inspire Young Latinx Musicians to 'Go Crazy'". Rolling Stone. Exposito, Suzy (October 16, 2020). "Meet Omar Apollo, the blue-haired, gender-rebellious, Mexican American Prince". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ https://dishahot.com/
- ^ a b c Tony Dominguez (November 19, 2018). "Meet Omar Apollo, the 21-Year-Old Chicano Making Homegrown, Bilingual Soul". Remezcla, LLC. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
- ^ a b Omar Apollo taught himself how to sing from YouTube. Now he's up for a Grammy
- ^ Erika Ramirez (February 6, 2019). "Get to Know Omar Apollo and His First-Generation Love Songs". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
- ^ Evan Minsker (April 3, 2019). "Omar Apollo Announces New Friends EP, Shares New Song: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
- ^ "These Were Our Favorite Moments from 2019's Tropicália Music Festival". Remezcla. November 13, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
- ^ Omar Apollo – Frío, retrieved July 17, 2020
- ^ Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike & Kenny Beats – Hit Me Up, retrieved July 17, 2020
- ^ Omar Apollo – Imagine U, retrieved July 17, 2020
- ^ Martin, Josh (August 7, 2020). "Omar Apollo drops first single, 'Stayback', from his forthcoming debut album". NME. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022.
- ^ Kreps, Daniel (August 21, 2020). "Omar Apollo Recruits Bootsy Collins for Funky 'Stayback' Remix". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Lounges, Tom (February 4, 2021). "Hobart native Omar Apollo picked to break big in 2021". nwitimes.com. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Ruiz, Matthew Ismael (September 10, 2020). "Omar Apollo Shares New Song "Kamikaze"". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Joji Announces 'Nectar' Album Tracklist Alongside New Merch Collection". HYPEBEAST. September 15, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Omar Apollo announces new project, 'Apolonio'". NME. October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Omar Apollo nominated for two Latin Grammys". warnerrecords.com. September 28, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
- ^ a b "2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List". Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ Hale, Chasity (July 13, 2021). "Omar Apollo, 'Go Away'". NPR. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "Watch Omar Apollo's Dramatic Performance of 'Go Away' on 'Fallon'". Rolling Stone. July 21, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ Sposato, Cat (November 8, 2021). "Omar Apollo (feat. Kali Uchis), 'Bad Life'". NPR. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (February 9, 2022). "Omar Apollo and Daniel Caesar Reminisce About a Love that Once Was in Beautifully Queer 'Invincible' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo joins up with The Neptunes for "Tamagotchi"". The Fader. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo - Ivory". Metacritic. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
- ^ a b "Omar Apollo Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ "Omar Apollo Unveils Deluxe Album 'Ivory (Marfil)'". Clash. August 15, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
- ^ a b "Omar Apollo – Chart history: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ @billboardcharts (September 26, 2022). "@omarapollo's "Evergreen" debuts at No. 62 on this week's #Hot100. It's his first career entry on the chart" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 27, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". All Access. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
- ^ "SZA Announces 'SOS' Arena Tour With Omar Apollo". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. December 13, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "Youth to the People announces Omar Apollo as first ambassador". Glossy. Digiday Media. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Chin, Amos (July 20, 2023). "Omar Apollo and Jamie Dornan are the Protagonists of the LOEWE FW23 Campaign". Augustman. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ "Omar Apollo, Café Tacvba and More to Receive Honors at 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. August 17, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ Omar Apollo – Spite, retrieved May 4, 2024
- ^ "Omar Apollo Announces His New Album 'God Said No'". UPROXX. May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
- ^ https://shop.gayletter.com/product/gayletter-issue-17/
- ^ "30 Under 30 Music". Forbes. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c Kheraj, Alim (April 12, 2022). "R&B singer Omar Apollo: 'Growing up, I was called slurs. But on the internet people are very open' | Music | The Guardian". The Guardian. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo - Ivory". Clash. April 7, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ a b Havens, Lyndsey (April 5, 2022). "Why Omar Apollo Scrapped the First Draft of His Debut Album". Billboard. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ a b Eric Skelton (April 12, 2022). "How Omar Apollo Became One of Pop's Most Exciting New Stars". Complex. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
- ^ a b Arunarsirakul, Alissa (April 11, 2019). "Omar Apollo Revives Indie-Funk with 'Friends' EP Ahead of 'The Voyager' Tour". Ones to Watch. Archived from the original on October 20, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ Gobierno de Mexico (October 19, 1999), Ficha de registro CURP mexicana de Omar Apolonio Velasco Velasco, retrieved August 15, 2023
- ^ "Omar Apollo on His Best New Artist Grammy Nod & That NSFW Viral Tweet". Billboard.
- ^ "Omar Apollo Responds to 'Queerbaiting' Accusation in NSFW Detail". November 29, 2022.
- ^ https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/omar-apollo-shuts-down-queerbaiting-rumors-nsfw-tweet-1235178135/
- ^ "After years of early success, Omar Apollo releases full debut album 'Ivory'". NPR. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
- ^ Gonzalez, Alex (April 8, 2022). "Omar Apollo on How His 'Fluid' Debut Album Speaks to a New Generation: 'Queer Kids Don't Want to Label Themselves'". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
- ^ Rapkin, Mickey (August 14, 2024). "Omar Apollo Loves Reliving Heartbreak Every Night On Tour". Nylon. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Omar Apollo: Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Mier, Tomás. "Omar Apollo Announces Sophomore Album, God Said No". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo – Chart history: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 Singles, Week Ending 14 October 2022". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo". Official Charts. The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
- ^ "Omar Apollo – Chart history: Billboard Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Pram - Single". Apple Music. July 11, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "Ugotme- Single". Apple Music. July 11, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
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- ^ Maicki, Salvatore (January 30, 2019). "Hear Omar Apollo's new song "Trouble"". The Fader. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Hussein, Wandera (February 26, 2019). "Stream Omar Apollo's new single "Ashamed"". The Fader. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Renshaw, David (April 3, 2019). "Omar Apollo shares new song "Friends"". The Fader. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
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- ^ Richards, Will (October 30, 2019). "Omar Apollo shares new song 'Frío', his first sung entirely in Spanish". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Skinner, Tom (November 5, 2019). "Listen to Omar Apollo and Dominic Fike's collaborative new single, 'Hit Me Up'". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (April 8, 2020). "Omar Apollo Shares New Song 'Imagine U': Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Martin, Josh (August 7, 2020). "Omar Apollo drops first single, 'Stayback', from his forthcoming debut album". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Rose, Anna (September 10, 2020). "Omar Apollo drops alluring new single, 'Kamikaze'". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Ruiz, Matthew Ismael (September 29, 2020). "Omar Apollo Shares New Song 'Dos Uno Nueve': Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Triscari, Caleb (October 13, 2020). "Omar Apollo releases new track 'Want U Around' featuring Ruel". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Blistein, Jon (July 8, 2021). "Omar Apollo Contends With a Fleeting Love on New Song 'Go Away'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (November 3, 2021). "Omar Apollo and Kali Uchis Share New Song 'Bad Life': Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Singh, Surej (March 10, 2022). "Omar Apollo announces debut album, shares single 'Invincible' featuring Daniel Caesar". NME. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Murray, Robin (March 14, 2022). "Omar Apollo Shares Bold Single 'Killing Me'". Clash. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Farrell, Margaret (March 23, 2022). "Omar Apollo Shares New Single "Tamagotchi," Produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell". FLOOD Magazine. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Lopez, Julyssa (July 15, 2022). "Omar Apollo Gets Romantic on His New Single -- and He's Got More New Music on the Way". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Kenneally, Cerys (August 5, 2022). "Omar Apollo unveils new track "Highlight"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
- ^ "American certifications – Omar Apollo". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
- ^ "Led Zeppelin, Celebration Day, Album".
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- ^ @omarapollo (February 15, 2023). "3 Boys out Friday!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c d "Omar Apollo – Chart history: Hot Rock Songs". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
- ^ Paul, Larisha. "Omar Apollo Leaves Home in Search of Healing on New Single 'Ice Slippin'". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
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- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ Paul, Larisha. "Omar Apollo Craves Proximity and Adoration on New Single 'Spite'". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ Strauss, Matthew (May 16, 2024). "Omar Apollo Details Album, Shares Video for New Song: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Omar Apollo Shares Video for New Queer Song 'Te Maldigo'". Pitchfork. November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
- ^ "Official Vinyl Singles Chart". Official Charts. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ "TE MALDIGO". Official Charts. The Office Charts. Retrieved April 19, 2025.
- ^ Mier, Tomas. "Latin Mafia, Omar Apollo Sing a Melancholic Cumbia on 'Hecho Para Ti'". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ^ "12:34 Am - Single". Apple Music. June 27, 2017. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "Day by Day (feat. Sam Hudgens & Omar Apollo) - Single". Apple Music. November 5, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Rossignol, Derrick (February 28, 2025). "Omar Apollo And Malcolm Todd Get An Assist From Jack Harlow For Their New 'Bleed' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
- ^ "Search: C. Tangana (Songs)". El Portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "Catching up with Omar Apollo @ Concord Music Hall". These Days. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
- ^ Polo, Maxamillion (May 3, 2019). "All We've Been Listening to 'Lately' Is Still Woozy's Debut EP". Ones to Watch. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
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- ^ "Benny Blanco's New Album Friends Keep Secrets 2 Out Today". Universal Music Canada. March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ Price, Joe. "Kenny Beats Drops 'Louie' With Contributions From Omar Apollo, Slowthai, Thundercat, Vince Staples, and More". Complex. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ "Kali Uchis Dissects Love in New Album 'Red Moon In Venus'". Hypebeast. March 3, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
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- ^ "Done With You (2024)". IMVDb. IMVDb.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Huston, Marysabel. "How Danna Paola Created 'CHILDSTAR' By Deconstructing Herself". Grammy Awards. Recording Academy. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
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- ^ Welby, Patrick 'Pwelbs' (February 7, 2019). "Omar Apollo Announces 'The Voyager Tour' 2019". These Days. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Omar Apollo". Speed of Sound Tour. May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Hodges, Dylan (August 14, 2024). "Get ready for Omar Apollo's North American headline tour". Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic | WISH-TV |. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
- ^ Garcia, Thania (July 24, 2024). "Omar Apollo to Make Acting Debut in Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer'". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
- ^ "Queer". A24 Publicity. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ Rude, Mey. "Bros, Fire Island, Omar Apollo Lead 2023 GLAAD Media Award Nominees". Out. Pride Publishing Inc. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- ^ "GLAAD ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 36th ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS". GLAAD. January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
- ^ Millar, Jake (December 12, 2024). ""I'm not sad, it's just how the music sounds": Omar Apollo is leaving heartbreak behind". GQ Australia. Retrieved March 21, 2025.
- ^ "Grammy-Nominee Omar Apollo to receive Hispanic Heritage 'Inspira' Award and perform at the Kennedy Center and on PBS". Hispanic Heritage Foundation. July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ "Los 2021 Latin GRAMMYs Awards Nominees Announced: See The Complete List". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ "See the Complete List of MTV EMA 2022 Nominees". MTV EMA. Viacom International Inc. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
- ^ "You keep picking up new labels, omar.apollo". LogoTV. Retrieved June 14, 2025.
- ^ "MTV VMAs 2022 Nominees Announced". Pitchfork. CN Entertainment. July 26, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ "Breakout Musical Artist award winners in the 2023 Queerties". Queerty. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ "The Queerties". Queerty. Q.Digital, Inc. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "The Queerties - Anthem". Queerty. Q.Digital, Inc. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Raygoza, Isabela (August 11, 2023). "Bad Bunny & Rosalía Lead Rolling Stone En Español Award Nominations: Complete List". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
- ^ "UK Music Video Awards 2022: all the nominations for this year's UKMVAs". Promonews. September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ "UK Music Video Awards 2024: all the nominations for this year's UKMVAs". Promonews. September 25, 2024. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ "Dua Lipa and Elton John, Future, Lizzo, Selena Gomez Among Variety's 2022 Hitmakers; Annual Brunch to Honor Top Songs in Music". Variety. Variety Media. November 21, 2022. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
- ^ "World of Wonder's 2023 WOWIE Awards at DragCon LA –Cast Your Votes Now!". The WOW Report. World of Wonder Productions. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
External links
[edit]
Omar Apollo at Wikipedia's sister projects
Media from Commons
Quotations from Wikiquote
Data from Wikidata
- Official website
- Omar Apollo at AllMusic
- Omar Apollo discography at Discogs
- Omar Apollo discography at MusicBrainz
- Omar Apollo on SoundCloud
| International | |
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| Artists | |
Omar Apollo
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and career beginnings
Early life
Omar Apolonio Velasco, known professionally as Omar Apollo, was born on May 20, 1997, in Hobart, Indiana, to Mexican immigrant parents from Guadalajara.[1][21] His father emigrated to the United States in 1979 at age 23 to escape gang violence, initially working in construction before becoming a chef, while his mother joined the family in 1992 after an arranged introduction through relatives; the couple married just three weeks after meeting and later opened a taco restaurant called The Super Taco to support their household.[3][21] Apollo was the youngest of three siblings in a working-class family that often relied on both parents holding multiple jobs amid financial hardships in the rust-belt town.[3][22] Growing up in a predominantly white, conservative community surrounded by farmland and cornfields, Apollo was immersed in his Mexican heritage through daily use of the Spanish language at home and exposure to traditional music during family visits to ranchos featuring mariachi performances.[21][23] His household echoed with melodramatic Spanish-language ballads by artists like Pedro Infante and Vicente Fernández, fostering an early appreciation for emotive storytelling in music.[3][21] At around age 11 or 12, his parents gifted him an electric guitar, sparking a passion for music; self-taught through YouTube tutorials, he practiced obsessively, often falling asleep with the instrument beside him, while also participating in ballet folklórico performances that involved traditional Mexican attire and dances.[6][3][24] During his time at Hobart High School, Apollo joined the Catholic church choir, where mandatory participation honed his vocal skills amid a religious upbringing that instilled a sense of Catholic guilt, particularly as he navigated his queer identity in a conservative environment.[24][25] He faced significant challenges, including homophobic slurs from peers and anti-Mexican discrimination, such as teachers prohibiting Spanish in class and racial profiling by authorities, which left him feeling isolated as one of the few Latino students and contributed to a resilient, introspective worldview.[21][3] These experiences, compounded by the town's limited opportunities, prompted him to begin experimenting with music production in his family's attic after graduation, marking his shift toward a professional pursuit by 2017.[26][27]2017–2019: Initial forays into music
Apollo began sharing his music online through SoundCloud, uploading tracks that showcased his emerging sound. His debut single "Ugotme," released in 2017, featured a bluesy, pining R&B style with indie influences, quickly gaining attention after being added to Spotify playlists like Fresh Finds. In 2018, he followed with "Heart," another introspective ballad that highlighted his vocal range and emotional depth. His debut EP Stereo in 2018 featured the viral track "Ugotme," while the 2019 EP Friends further built his audience.[28][29] During this time, Apollo experimented with lo-fi production techniques using free software like GarageBand, drawing from his self-taught background in guitar and vocals. In 2019, at the age of 22, he moved from his hometown in Hobart, Indiana, to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time. To make ends meet, he worked odd jobs.[30][30] He started performing live at small venues in Los Angeles, honing his stage presence through intimate sets that blended soulful covers and originals. These early shows helped build a local following among the city's indie and R&B scenes.[30][28] Apollo's online buzz grew steadily, with "Ugotme" accumulating millions of streams across platforms by late 2018. By 2019, he had amassed a dedicated audience, reaching tens of thousands of monthly listeners on Spotify and attracting attention from industry figures. He began collaborating with emerging artists in the R&B space, including early connections with peers like Ruel, which expanded his network.[29][31] In late 2018, Apollo signed a management deal with a team that paved the way for label interest, culminating in a recordings agreement with AWAL in early 2019 and subsequent attention from Warner Records. This period marked his transition from DIY uploads to professional development, setting the stage for broader recognition.[32][33]2020: Breakthrough with Apolonio
In 2019 and 2020, Omar Apollo developed his debut mixtape Apolonio primarily in his Los Angeles bedroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing from personal experiences of isolation and self-discovery.[23] The project, which Apollo co-wrote and co-produced alongside collaborators including Mk.gee, Albert Hammond Jr., Michael Uzowuru, and DJ Dahi, spans eight tracks blending R&B, funk, and pop elements with subtle nods to Mexican corridos.[34] Central themes revolve around queer love, identity, and emotional yearning, as Apollo openly directs his affections toward men and women in songs like "Kamikaze" and "Hey Boy" featuring Kali Uchis, marking a more explicit exploration of his bisexuality compared to earlier work.[35] Tracks such as "Bi Fren" and "Kamikaze" exemplify this intimacy, with lyrics reflecting unrequited desires and small-town heartbreaks.[36] Apolonio was released on October 16, 2020, through Warner Records, following lead singles "Stayback," "Kamikaze," and "Dos Uno Nueve (219)."[37] Initial promotion leveraged social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where tracks gained early traction; for instance, "Bi Fren" quickly became a user-favorite for its raw vulnerability, inspiring fan videos and covers shortly after release.[38] To build anticipation, Apollo announced a livestream concert documentary from Prince's Paisley Park studio, airing on October 28, 2020, which included behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals and performances.[34] Critics lauded Apolonio for its emotional depth and Apollo's charismatic delivery, with Pitchfork awarding it a 7.3 out of 10 and highlighting how the mixtape captures "youthful angst, lust, and fun" while showcasing Apollo's growing confidence in queer expression.[35] NME echoed this, giving it four stars and praising its "steamy bedroom jams" that ache with unrequited feelings.[39] The project marked Apollo's mainstream entry, though it did not achieve significant chart placement on major Billboard lists at the time. Among its singles, "Bi Fren" emerged as a viral standout in late 2020, amassing millions of TikTok uses and streams for its candid portrayal of bisexual longing, helping propel Apollo's visibility.[38] This momentum led to early awards buzz, including precursor recognition in industry circles, and secured his first major media features, such as profiles in Vogue and the Los Angeles Times that October, where he discussed his Mexican-American heritage and artistic evolution.[40][29]Later career
2021–2023: Ivory and Live for Me
Omar Apollo, who signed with Warner Records in 2020, continued his momentum in 2021 with the release of singles like "Go Away," which explored themes of emotional detachment and received critical attention for its introspective lyrics and genre-blending production.[41] Apollo's debut studio album, Ivory, was released on April 8, 2022, via Warner Records, featuring 14 tracks that delved into themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection.[41] The album showcased Apollo's versatile style, incorporating elements of R&B, indie pop, and Latin influences, with standout tracks like "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)" addressing unrequited love and personal growth.[12] Ivory debuted at No. 152 on the Billboard 200 and later peaked at No. 74, reflecting growing commercial momentum driven by streaming and vinyl sales.[42] The project solidified Apollo's rising profile, earning praise for its emotional depth and earning him his first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023.[43] Throughout 2023, Apollo continued building his stardom with high-profile opportunities, including serving as the opening act for SZA's SOS Tour, where he performed selections from Ivory and connected with audiences through shared themes of intimacy and resilience.[44] In October, he released the EP Live for Me on October 6, comprising four tracks that processed themes of grief, loss, and acceptance.[45] Led by the single "Ice Slippin'," the EP captured raw emotional vulnerability, with Apollo drawing from personal experiences of mourning to create intimate, confessional songs like the title track, which pleads for connection amid pain.[46] During 2023, Apollo began developing his second studio album, God Said No, spending three months in London to write and record material that embraced cynicism, fate, and relational turmoil.[47] This creative phase built on Ivory's foundation, incorporating poetry and collaboration to explore acceptance of life's uncertainties, resulting in 14 tracks announced for release the following year.[48] The album's development highlighted Apollo's evolution, blending heartbreak with defiance, and positioned him for further acclaim upon its eventual debut at No. 56 on the Billboard 200 in 2024.[49]2024–2025: Queer film debut, collaborations, and milestones
In 2024, Omar Apollo made his acting debut in Luca Guadagnino's film Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, where he portrayed the character Chimu Bar Guy in a notable bar scene alongside Daniel Craig. The film premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2024, and was released in theaters on November 27, 2024, marking Apollo's expansion into queer cinema with intimate, erotic sequences that highlighted themes of desire and identity.[50][51][52] Apollo continued his musical output in 2025 with a featured appearance on LATIN MAFIA's cumbia single "Hecho para ti," released on July 24, which blended retro Latin rhythms with melancholic lyrics about love and longing, representing his first major Spanish-language collaboration since his breakthrough mixtape Apolonio.[53][54] The track, accompanied by a vibrant music video, showcased Apollo's versatility in indie Latin pop and received praise for its cultural fusion.[55] In August 2025, Apollo performed at Lollapalooza Chicago, debuting "Hecho para ti" live with LATIN MAFIA.[56] October 2025 marked the fifth anniversary of Apolonio, prompting Apollo to celebrate with an exclusive merchandise drop on his official store, including a limited-edition vinyl reissue bundled with a 52-page photo booklet and double-sided poster featuring previously unreleased content.[57] This milestone release honored the project's role in his early career while tying into broader reflections on queer representation in his work, as discussed in contemporaneous interviews where Apollo emphasized the importance of authentic LGBTQ+ narratives in media.[58] Apollo's achievements during this period were recognized with prestigious honors, including his inclusion in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Music list for 2025, announced in December 2024, celebrating his rapid rise as a genre-blending artist.[59] Additionally, he received a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2025 for God Said No, acknowledging his contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility through music that explores identity, heartbreak, and self-acceptance.[60][61]Artistry
Musical style and themes
Omar Apollo's music primarily blends R&B with elements of indie pop, electronic, and Latin genres, characterized by his use of falsetto vocals and minimalistic instrumentation that creates an intimate, atmospheric sound. His falsetto often floats over sparse beats and subtle synth layers, drawing from R&B traditions while incorporating indie pop's melodic vulnerability and electronic textures for a modern edge. Latin influences appear through rhythmic percussion and occasional mariachi-inspired flourishes, particularly in tracks that evoke cultural heritage without overt fusion. This genre blend allows Apollo to craft songs that feel both personal and broadly accessible, emphasizing emotional resonance over rigid categorization. In terms of production, Apollo's approach began with self-taught lo-fi aesthetics, utilizing bedroom setups to layer simple guitar riffs and ambient sounds, which evolved into a more polished studio sound incorporating lush synths, electric guitars, and live instrumentation. He has collaborated with producers like Teo Halm, resulting in tracks that balance raw emotion with refined clarity. This progression reflects a deliberate shift from DIY experimentation to professional craftsmanship, maintaining an undercurrent of accessibility that invites listeners into his sonic world. Lyrically, Apollo explores themes of queer romance, identity struggles, familial love, and vulnerability, often weaving bilingual Spanish-English lyrics to convey cultural duality and personal introspection. Songs frequently delve into the complexities of same-sex desire and self-acceptance, portraying relationships with tender honesty rather than melodrama, while familial motifs highlight bonds strained by migration and generational gaps. His bilingual phrasing adds layers of authenticity, allowing code-switching to mirror the fluidity of his experiences. Apollo's vocal style features a high-register delivery reminiscent of Frank Ocean's emotive range, prioritizing emotional intimacy and subtle nuance over technical virtuosity or powerhouse belts. His voice conveys fragility through breathy phrasing and dynamic shifts, enhancing the confessional tone of his lyrics without overshadowing the music's minimalism. Over time, this style has evolved from the raw, unpolished DIY SoundCloud tracks of his early career to more expansive arrangements, including orchestral elements in his album God Said No, where strings and horns amplify his vulnerability on a grander scale.Influences and evolution
Omar Apollo's musical influences draw deeply from both American R&B and soul traditions as well as Mexican ranchera and bolero styles, shaped by his upbringing in Hobart, Indiana, as the son of Mexican immigrants from Guadalajara.[3] During his childhood, he was exposed to iconic Mexican artists such as Vicente Fernández and Pedro Infante, whose emotive ballads and storytelling informed his early appreciation for heartfelt, narrative-driven music.[3] Similarly, Selena's Tejano fusions left a mark, as Apollo has recounted performing her song "Amor Prohibido" at karaoke, highlighting her role in blending Latin rhythms with pop accessibility.[62] In his formative years and beyond, Apollo has cited Prince as a primary influence, particularly for the artist's falsetto techniques and genre-blending innovation, maintaining a dedicated four-hour playlist of his work.[63] Other key figures include Frank Ocean, whose introspective alt-R&B style resonates in Apollo's vulnerable lyricism; D'Angelo and Stevie Wonder for their soulful grooves; and the Bee Gees and Neil Young for their melodic emotionality.[64] He has also expressed admiration for contemporary Latin trap artist Bad Bunny, appreciating his bold cultural fusion and unapologetic persona.[65] These influences converge in Apollo's Mexican-American identity, which permeates his work through integrations of cumbia and bolero elements, as seen in the 2025 collaboration "Hecho para ti" with Latin Mafia, a nostalgic cumbia track evoking retro Latin vibes.[53] Apollo's artistry has evolved from raw, indie self-releases in the late 2010s—starting with heartbreak anthems like "Ugotme" shared on SoundCloud—to a more polished, genre-fluid pop sound by the early 2020s.[63] His 2022 debut album Ivory marked a shift toward experimental psych-pop, soul, and hip-hop, incorporating corridos like "En El Olvido" inspired by Juan Gabriel's warm tenor.[63] Queer icons such as Frank Ocean have impacted this progression, encouraging Apollo's embrace of fluid, personal narratives around love and identity.[64] Following the 2024 release of God Said No, which introduced electronic synths and piano-driven introspection amid themes of loss, Apollo has further experimented with sonic textures post-2024.[66] Critics have praised Apollo for bridging Latin heritage with queer storytelling, positioning him as a role model for Latinx youth navigating identity in mainstream spaces, as evident in reviews of his 2022-2025 output.[67] This synthesis has solidified his reputation as an artist who authentically merges cultural roots with evolving personal expression.[68]Personal life
Heritage and family
Omar Apollo, born Omar Apolonio Velasco, is a first-generation Mexican-American whose parents immigrated from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, to the United States before his birth in 1997. Raised in the rural town of Hobart, Indiana, he navigated a bicultural identity, balancing American suburban life with the Mexican traditions upheld in his household, where Spanish-language music like rancheras and boleros from artists such as Pedro Infante and Los Panchos filled the home. This environment fostered his early exposure to emotional depth in music, drawing from his mother's preferences for melodramatic ballads that emphasized heartfelt expression.[69][29][30][70] Apollo shares a close bond with his two older siblings, as the youngest in a working-class family where both parents often held multiple jobs to provide stability—his father in construction and later as a chef, and his mother contributing to the family's cultural continuity through home-cooked meals and traditions. His mother's influence is evident in Apollo's emphasis on vulnerability and emotional openness in his artistry, while his father offered support following the initial challenges of Apollo coming out, reflecting the family's evolving acceptance amid their immigrant experiences. Growing up in a predominantly white, rural Indiana community presented hurdles, including instances of racism where he was called slurs, yet these shaped his resilient worldview rooted in familial pride.[71][72][21][73] In recent reflections, Apollo has highlighted his immigrant family's sacrifices, crediting their hard work—such as his parents' long hours upon arriving in the U.S.—for instilling a sense of pride and determination. His 2024 album God Said No includes personal voice memos from his mother recounting childhood memories in Mexico with her father, underscoring generational ties to his heritage. Apollo actively advocates for Latinx visibility, serving as a role model for queer Mexican-American youth through interviews and awards like the 2023 Hispanic Heritage "Inspira" Award, while collaborating with Latin artists such as Latin Mafia to amplify bilingual and cultural narratives in music.[69][74][75][76][67]Sexuality and relationships
Omar Apollo publicly embraced his queer identity through the lyrics of his 2020 mixtape Apolonio, particularly in tracks like "Bi Fren" and "Kamikaze," which explore same-sex desire and fluidity without explicit labels.[35][68] Earlier, during high school in Indiana, Apollo grappled privately with his sexuality amid a conservative Catholic upbringing, realizing he was gay at age 17 but remaining closeted at the time.[77] He initially dodged direct questions about his orientation in a 2020 interview, stating he was "just chilling," before addressing queerbaiting accusations more openly in 2022 by affirming his experiences authentically.[73] Apollo's coming out to his family, reflected in his 2023 single "Ice Slippin," met with a frosty reception that strained relationships and contributed to his decision to leave Indiana.[73] In subsequent interviews, he has emphasized the fluidity of his sexuality, rejecting rigid labels like bisexual or pansexual and noting that contemporary queer youth often prioritize self-expression over categorization.[68] These themes recur in his music, serving as a vehicle for personal exploration rather than overt advocacy. Apollo has described being gay as an innate aspect of himself, not a milestone to achieve, underscoring his journey toward unapologetic self-acceptance.[78] Regarding relationships, Apollo maintains a high degree of privacy, avoiding public disclosures about partners despite occasional flirty social media posts and unconfirmed rumors linking him to figures like Frank Ocean.[79] He has shared that he brought anonymous dates on tour during his early career but prefers to keep romantic details out of the spotlight, especially amid the challenges of fame in the music industry.[79] In a 2024 conversation with Troye Sivan, Apollo discussed the complexities of dating while touring, highlighting the transient nature of connections in his professional life.[80] Apollo's public statements often celebrate queer joy and visibility, as seen in his 2024 reflection on his acting debut in Luca Guadagnino's film Queer, where he described queerness as inherently "fab" and essential to his artistic expression.[58] While preparing for the role of a sex worker opposite Daniel Craig, he drew on personal experiences of navigating identity in conservative settings, though he has not drawn explicit parallels between the character and his life.[81] His openness has contributed to broader LGBTQ+ representation, earning recognition from GLAAD, including a 2023 spotlight on queer musicians of color and a 2025 nomination for Outstanding Music Artist for his album God Said No.[82][61]Discography
Studio albums
Omar Apollo's debut studio album, Ivory, was released on April 8, 2022, through Warner Records.[83] The 14-track project explores themes of love, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability, drawing from Apollo's personal experiences following his earlier mixtapes.[68] Production involved key collaborators including Teo Halm, who co-produced tracks like "Bad Life" featuring Kali Uchis, alongside Carter Lang, Noah Goldstein, and the Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo).[83] Commercially, Ivory debuted at No. 152 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 8,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, later peaking at No. 74 upon a 2023 vinyl re-release that sold 13,000 units.[12] The standout single "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)" achieved RIAA Platinum certification and peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.[12][84]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ivory" | 1:14 |
| 2. | "Talk" | 2:35 |
| 3. | "No Good Reason" | 3:02 |
| 4. | "Invincible" (featuring Daniel Caesar) | 3:10 |
| 5. | "Endlessly (Interlude)" | 1:50 |
| 6. | "Killing Me" | 2:25 |
| 7. | "Go Away" | 3:11 |
| 8. | "Waiting on You" | 3:08 |
| 9. | "I Wanna Believe" | 3:20 |
| 10. | "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)" | 2:53 |
| 11. | "Tamarindo" (featuring Chromeo) | 3:15 |
| 12. | "Candy Paint" | 2:57 |
| 13. | "Frío" | 2:49 |
| 14. | "Bi Fren" | 3:11 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Be Careful with Me" | 3:24 |
| 2. | "Spite" | 2:35 |
| 3. | "Less of You" | 3:11 |
| 4. | "Done with You" | 2:32 |
| 5. | "Plane Trees" (featuring Mustafa) | 3:09 |
| 6. | "Drifting" | 3:00 |
| 7. | "Empty" | 2:49 |
| 8. | "Life's Unfair" | 3:07 |
| 9. | "Against Me" | 3:35 |
| 10. | "While U Can" | 3:02 |
| 11. | "Dispose of Me" | 3:20 |
| 12. | "How" | 2:55 |
| 13. | "Pedro" | 0:59 |
| 14. | "Glow" | 2:42 |
Mixtapes and EPs
Omar Apollo's debut EP, Stereo, was self-released on May 30, 2018. The 6-track project featured his viral single "Ugotme" and introduced his bedroom-pop style blending R&B and funk.[88] Omar Apollo's debut mixtape, Apolonio, was released on October 16, 2020, through Warner Records, marking his first major project following a series of independent singles that built his early fanbase.[35] The mixtape features nine tracks blending R&B, funk, and alternative elements, with standout songs including "Bi Fren," which reflects on past relationships, and "Kamikaze," showcasing Apollo's versatile vocal delivery over upbeat production.[89] It was promoted through singles such as "Kamikaze" and "Want U Around" featuring Ruel, highlighting Apollo's growing collaborative style.[90] In 2023, Apollo released the EP Live for Me on October 6, consisting of four introspective tracks that delve into themes of grief, loss, and emotional vulnerability.[45] The project opens with "Ice Slippin," a poignant reflection on familial disconnection and personal growth, followed by the title track "Live for Me," which serves as a cathartic tribute to processing death and acceptance.[91] Additional songs "Angel" and "Pilot" explore longing and transition, with the EP's raw production emphasizing Apollo's genre-defying experimentation during a period of personal reflection.[92] Apollo's earlier EP Friends, originally self-released in 2019, was reissued on vinyl in April 2024, featuring five tracks that capture his emerging soulful R&B sound rooted in themes of love and introspection.[93] The project includes "Ashamed," "Kickback," "Friends," "There for Me (Interlude)," and "Hearing Your Voice," blending blues influences with heartfelt lyrics about relational complexities.[94] The 2024 edition, limited to 500 copies on sage green vinyl, served as a companion piece amid Apollo's evolving discography post-God Said No, offering remixed and archival insights into his foundational work without altering the original tracklist.[95] To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Apolonio, Apollo announced a special edition vinyl release in October 2025, bundled with a 52-page zine and poster, providing fans with enhanced packaging of the original tracks and additional visual content from his early career.[96] This reissue underscores the mixtape's enduring impact, with its streams contributing to Apollo's rising profile in alternative R&B circles.[97]Singles as lead artist
Omar Apollo's career as a lead artist began with independent releases in the late 2010s, gaining traction through self-released tracks that showcased his alternative R&B style.[98] His debut single, "Ugotme," was independently released on July 11, 2017, marking his entry into the music scene with a raw, bedroom-pop influenced sound.[99] Following this, Apollo continued building his catalog with early independent efforts, including "Tamu" in 2019, which helped establish his presence on streaming platforms prior to signing with a major label. "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)," released on April 8, 2022, as part of his debut studio album Ivory, became his breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning RIAA Platinum certification for over 1 million units sold in the U.S.[12][100] In anticipation of Ivory, Apollo issued precursor singles like "Tamagotchi" in 2022, with "Bi Fren" originally appearing on his 2020 mixtape Apolonio before gaining renewed attention as a standalone lead track exploring themes of bisexuality and nostalgia.[101][102]| Title | Release Date | Album/Mixtape | Peak Chart Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ugotme | July 11, 2017 | Non-album single | — | — |
| Tamu | 2019 | Non-album single | — | — |
| Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All) | April 8, 2022 | Ivory | No. 51 (Billboard Hot 100) | Platinum (RIAA) |
| Tamagotchi | March 23, 2022 | Ivory | No. 1 (Alternative Airplay) | — |
| Bi Fren | October 16, 2020 (mixtape); 2021 (single) | Apolonio / Pre-Ivory single | — | — |
Featured singles and guest appearances
Omar Apollo has made notable contributions as a featured artist on several tracks, showcasing his versatility across genres and collaborations with emerging talents. In 2025, he appeared on "Bleed," a single from Malcolm Todd's album, blending alternative rock and R&B elements to explore themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. The track, released on February 28, received praise for its danceable rhythm and introspective lyrics, highlighting Apollo's smooth vocal harmonies that complement Todd's lead.[103] That same year, Apollo teamed up with the Mexican indie band LATIN MAFIA for the cumbia-infused single "Hecho para ti," released on July 24. The nostalgic track channels retro vibes with Apollo delivering verses in Spanish, marking one of his prominent forays into Latin rhythms outside his lead projects. It garnered attention in Latin music circles for its time-jumping production and emotional depth, appearing in Billboard's best new Latin music recommendations.[53][104] Earlier collaborations include Apollo's guest spot on Still Woozy and Elujay's 2019 track "Ipanema," where his soulful delivery added a layer of intimacy to the laid-back indie pop sound. In 2020, he featured on Joji's "High Hopes" from the album Nectar, contributing ethereal backing vocals that enhanced the song's dreamy atmosphere. These appearances underscore Apollo's role in bridging R&B with alternative and international influences.[105] Beyond vocal features, Apollo has extended his songwriting talents to other artists, though specific credits without lead performances remain selective in his catalog up to 2025.Tours and live performances
Headlining tours
Omar Apollo's headlining tours have showcased his evolution as a performer, blending R&B, indie, and Latin influences in live settings that emphasize emotional depth and high-energy staging. His first major headlining outing was the Desvelado Tour in 2021, supporting the mixtape Apolonio. The 32-date North American run began in September and wrapped in November, visiting cities including Miami, Seattle, and Denver.[106] Setlists centered on Apolonio tracks like "Bi Fren" and "Kamikaze," alongside earlier singles, averaging 15-18 songs per performance with a focus on intimate, dance-infused arrangements. The tour was well-received for Apollo's charismatic stage presence and ability to connect with growing fanbases in mid-sized venues.[107] In promotion of his debut studio album Ivory, Apollo launched the Prototype Tour in fall 2022, a 22-date trek across North America with opener Ravyn Lenae. Kicking off October 21 in San Diego and concluding November 29 in Toronto, the shows featured upgraded production elements like dynamic lighting to match the album's eclectic sound.[108] Typical setlists spanned 18 songs, mixing Ivory highlights such as "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)" and "En El Olvido" with fan favorites from prior releases, often extending to encores for deeper cuts. Critics and audiences praised the tour's polished execution and Apollo's vocal versatility, noting sold-out crowds at key stops like the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.[109] The God Said No World Tour, tied to his 2024 album God Said No, marked Apollo's most ambitious outing to date, commencing July 15 in Melbourne, Australia, and encompassing 33 dates across Oceania, Asia, and North America through October 11, 2024, including a September 24 performance in Bentonville, Arkansas.[110] Openers varied by leg, including Malcolm Todd on North American dates, and the tour promoted the album through immersive visuals reflecting its themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.[111] Setlists averaged 18 songs, blending new material like "Dispose of Me" and "God Said No" with staples such as "Ice Slippin" and covers, clocking in at around 84 minutes of runtime.[112] Reception highlighted the tour's emotional intensity and genre-blending appeal, though some legs faced softer ticket sales amid broader industry challenges.[113] In 2023, Apollo served as an opening act for select dates of SZA's SOS Tour across North America. Notable tour highlights include Apollo's co-headlining appearance at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2023, alongside Daniel Caesar during the Superpowers World Tour leg, which drew over 18,000 attendees and featured extended collaborations on shared tracks.[114] Across his headlining efforts, Apollo has achieved sold-out performances at key venues, including the 2022 tour's $202,164 gross from select shows.[113]Festival appearances and specials
Omar Apollo made his debut major festival appearance at Coachella in April 2022, performing on the Mojave Stage with a set that included tracks like "Petrified" and "Want U Around," showcasing his blend of R&B and indie pop to a growing audience.[115] His performance highlighted falsetto-driven covers and originals, contributing to viral social media moments that amplified his rising profile.[116] In 2023, Apollo expanded his festival presence with a full set at Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas, delivering an energetic show featuring songs from his album Ivory such as "3 Boys" and "Ice Slippin."[117] Later that year, he took the stage at the AT&T Block Party during the March Madness Music Festival in Houston, where he performed stripped-down versions of "3 Boys," "Want U Around," and "Evergreen," emphasizing his vocal range in an intimate outdoor setting.[118] These appearances marked a period of increased visibility, with audiences responding enthusiastically to his genre-blending style. Apollo's television and special performances began gaining traction with his NPR Tiny Desk Concert in September 2022, where he brought a mariachi band to the stage for renditions of "En el Olvido," "Evergreen," "Petrified," and a then-unreleased track "Endlessly," celebrating Latinx Heritage Month and earning praise for its communal energy.[119] In October 2023, he performed "En el Olvido" at the 36th Hispanic Heritage Awards, accompanied by the American Pops Orchestra, receiving the Inspira Award for his contributions to Latin music.[120] By 2024, Apollo headlined at Lollapalooza Chile in Santiago, delivering a live set that captured his evolving sound from Ivory and previews of upcoming material, drawing large crowds amid the festival's diverse lineup.[117] In January 2024, he participated in the Artists for Aid benefit concert in New York City, joining performers like Clairo and Mustafa to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Gaza and Sudan through food and medical supply distribution.[121] In 2025, Apollo returned to festival stages at Lollapalooza Chicago, making a surprise guest appearance with Latin Mafia to perform their collaborative single "Hecho Para Ti," a cumbia-infused track that marked his first venture into the genre and highlighted his Spanish-language vocals.[122] The performance, held in August, underscored his growing international appeal and ability to blend contemporary pop with Latin roots, further solidifying his presence in major events.[54]Filmography
Film roles
Omar Apollo made his acting debut in the 2024 film Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino and adapted from William S. Burroughs' semi-autobiographical novella. In the film, set in 1950s Mexico City, Apollo portrays the Chimu Bar Guy, a character who appears in a brief but pivotal scene involving protagonist William Lee (played by Daniel Craig), where Lee seeks drugs and engages in an intimate encounter.[123] The role marks Apollo's transition from music to screen acting, with the singer drawing on his experience in music videos to inform his performance, as he described emulating that performative style during filming.[124] Production on Queer began in 2023, with principal photography taking place primarily in Italy, including Rome, under Guadagnino's direction. The ensemble cast includes Daniel Craig as the expatriate writer William Lee, Drew Starkey as his love interest Allerton, and supporting actors such as Lesley Manville and Jason Schwartzman. Apollo's involvement was announced in July 2024, highlighting his addition to the project as a newcomer to acting alongside established stars.[125] The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, receiving a standing ovation, and was released in limited theatrical release in the United States on November 27, 2024, with expansion in December 2024; the United Kingdom wide release followed on December 13, 2024.[126][127] Critics praised Apollo's debut for its magnetic and sensual presence in his scene, with Variety noting his "brief but memorable" contribution that added intensity to the film's exploration of desire and addiction. The movie holds a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 243 reviews, commended for Guadagnino's direction and the central performances, though some critiques focused on the narrative's meandering pace.[128] At the box office, Queer grossed $3.7 million domestically and $7 million worldwide, against a reported budget of around $50 million, reflecting a modest commercial performance for an A24 arthouse release.[129] As of November 2025, no further film roles for Apollo have been confirmed.[130]Other media appearances
Omar Apollo has made several notable television appearances, showcasing his music and charisma on major late-night programs. In June 2024, he performed "Dispose of Me" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, delivering a soulful rendition from his sophomore album God Said No that highlighted his emotional depth and stage presence.[131] Earlier, in July 2021, Apollo appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he presented a cinematic performance of "Go Away," complete with narrative visuals of longing and departure that elevated the track's psychedelic R&B vibe.[132] In March 2025, Apollo appeared on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards, noted for his glam look featuring a veil, rosy blush, and black eyeliner.[133] In June 2025, he made his mixed reality debut with "Omar Apollo: Red Rocks Live in VR," a virtual concert experience exclusively on Meta Horizon's Music Valley, expanding his live performances into immersive digital formats.[134] Beyond live performances, Apollo has been involved in music videos that blend personal storytelling with artistic direction, often exploring themes of heartbreak and identity. The 2023 video for "Ice Slippin," directed by the duo rubberband., features visceral imagery of isolation and mortality, aligning with the song's introspective lyrics from his EP Live for Me.[135] In November 2022, the visual for "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me at All)" depicted Apollo in a raw, destructive sequence of emotional unraveling, underscoring the track's viral appeal from his debut album Ivory.[136] More recently, the 2024 live performance video for the title track "God Said No," directed by David Heofs, captures Apollo in an intimate, warmly lit setting on a oversized couch, emphasizing vulnerability amid his tour's high-energy production.[137] Apollo has partnered with brands to extend his cultural influence through endorsements that resonate with his heritage and style. In fall 2023, he starred in Loewe's menswear campaign alongside Jamie Dornan, photographed in a collage-style tribute to Mexican roots and contemporary art, which amplified his fashion-forward image.[138] In September 2024, he collaborated with Taco Bell on a limited-edition hot sauce inspired by his mother's family recipe, "Disha Hot," tying into a limited-edition liquid-infused vinyl release of God Said No to celebrate Latino culinary traditions.[139] Other appearances include podcast discussions that delve into his creative process and queer experiences. On NPR's Alt.Latino in October 2022, Apollo opened up about navigating his identity as a queer Latinx artist in the music industry, reflecting on the challenges of authenticity in a genre-blending career.[140] In October 2025, a fifth-anniversary merch collection for his debut mixtape Apolonio was released, featuring exclusive vinyl with bonus tracks and apparel.[141] These media ventures have significantly boosted queer visibility, with Apollo's unapologetic portrayals in music and endorsements serving as a beacon for young LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly within Latino communities, by normalizing fluid expressions of identity and desire.[142]Accolades
Awards and nominations
Omar Apollo has received recognition from several prestigious music awards organizations, primarily in the form of nominations for his breakthrough work in alternative R&B and Latin music genres. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, Apollo earned his first nomination in the Best New Artist category for his debut album Ivory.[14] Although he did not win—the category was awarded to Samara Joy—the nomination highlighted his rapid rise following the viral success of singles like "Evergreen (You Didn't Deserve Me At All)."[143] In the Latin music space, Apollo secured two nominations at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2021 for his guest appearance on C. Tangana's track "Te Olvidaste," including Record of the Year and Best Alternative Song.[15] These nods marked his entry into Latin award circuits, reflecting his bilingual versatility and collaboration with established artists.[144] Apollo also received a nomination for PUSH Performance of the Year at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards for his single "Tamagotchi," recognizing his innovative visuals and performance style.[145]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Latin Grammy Awards | Record of the Year | "Te Olvidaste" (with C. Tangana) | Nominated | [15] |
| 2021 | Latin Grammy Awards | Best Alternative Song | "Te Olvidaste" (with C. Tangana) | Nominated | [15] |
| 2022 | MTV Video Music Awards | PUSH Performance of the Year | "Tamagotchi" | Nominated | [145] |
| 2023 | Grammy Awards | Best New Artist | Ivory | Nominated | [14] |