When “American Idol” first aired in 2002, it didn’t just launch a wave of pop stars, it quietly marked a moment of queer history. Among the show’s earliest finalists was Jim Verraros, who would become one of the first openly gay contestants on a major reality competition series. At just 19, Verraros stepped into a spotlight that was rarely offered to LGBTQ voices on network TV.
“I don’t know that I fully understood the gravity of what was happening then,” he reflects. “I was on autopilot… I needed to learn how the industry worked, and to be thrust into that at a very young age with no real support or resources was challenging.”
Now, more than two decades later, Verraros is stepping back into the music world with Explicit, a bold, sensual, and unapologetically queer album that reintroduces his voice and vision to a new generation. He sat down with GLAAD to reflect on his legacy, creative evolution, and what it means to reclaim space as a proud, out artist in a music industry that’s finally catching up to queer voices.
“If George Michael, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake were in a musical throuple, it might sound something like this,” he jokes of his current sound, a genre-blurring blend of EDM, house, and pop.
But Explicit is more than just an album, it’s a statement. “When I came up with the title, it wasn’t just about the content; it was a state-of-mind,” Verraros says. “A chance to speak freely, express myself creatively and sing without inhibition, limitation, or censorship.”
The project also marks a full-circle moment, with a nod to his debut album Rollercoaster, released 20 years ago. “This is a grown ass man singing about sex, and being queer and experiencing life,” he says. “It’s unapologetic and real and fun. There’s light, but there’s dark… it’s a culmination of what I’ve been through over the last 15 years.”
Through it all, Verraros has remained steadfast in using his platform to center queer identity, both on screen and in his music. “Being a part of queer media at a very young age, openly gay actor playing openly gay roles, wasn’t common. I think it was really powerful for people to see themselves represented.”
While he applauds the progress in LGBTQ visibility in music, name-checking trailblazers like Lil Nas X, Troye Sivan, Chappell Roan, and Renee Rapp, he emphasizes the need for more. “We need to be as loud as we possibly can while still bringing our art to the world.”
That sense of purpose also drives his desire to support other queer creatives navigating today’s digital-first music landscape. “Social media is dangerous,” he warns. “Comparison is the thief of joy. But there’s a market for everyone and everything… Stay genuine. Stay you.”
As for what he hopes listeners take from Explicit? “I hope it takes them away from what’s happening in the world for a short time. I wanted this to be fun, light, sexy, experimental… something people can learn the lyrics to and blast in their cars or at a house party.”
Jim Verraros’ journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of authenticity. And if there’s one thing he’s learned after all these years, it’s this: “Success doesn’t have an expiration date… You’re one project away from everything you want. If it still brings you joy, do it.”
Explicit arrives August 8th! Learn more at JimVerrarosMusic.com.
