Get to Know Omar Apollo: The Rising Singer Making Waves with His Seductive Album Cover
Omar Apollo, the Indiana native, is making waves with his music and album cover, which showcases his bold and unapologetic artistic expression With a strong emphasis on his sexuality, famous connections, self-taught guitar skills, and numerous accolades, Apollo is a rising star in the music industry
Omar Apollo Presley Ann/Getty Images for Spotify
Omar Apollo is not only gaining attention for his music, but also for his recent artistic collaboration with painter Doran Langberg. Langberg created a nude painting of the “Evergreen” singer, which was showcased on the cover of Apollo’s Live for Me EP.
Released in October 2023, the front of Apollo’s album displayed his upper body while the back cover revealed his entire nude form.
"We entered his studio, a place I had already been to before. We spent time together, chatting and enjoying each other's company. It was a memorable experience as we connected on a deep level," Apollo, whose real name is Omar Apolonio Velasco, shared during his Live For Me Immersive Listening Experience event at New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in October 2023. "Afterwards, we started working on the first painting. But then, I suggested taking a break, maybe grabbing a sandwich, and he could decide later if he still wanted to proceed with the commissioned portrait."
Admitting his initial nerves, Apollo said, "I'm a confident person, no doubt about that. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about it."
After the completion of the painting, the musician appeared unfazed. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express, "If any of my friends want to visit, my artwork will soon be on display at the MoMa. Just send me a text."
Apollo gained fame in 2017 when he uploaded his song "Ugotme" to Spotify. In May 2018, he released his debut EP titled "Stereo." In April 2022, Apollo signed with Warner Records and released his debut album, "Ivory." The album's success earned him a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. To learn more about this talented musician, keep reading.
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1. Apollo Is an Indiana Native
The singer’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, and they raised Apollo and his three older siblings in Hobart, Indiana.
2. Apollo Is Outspoken About His Sexuality
In an interview with NPR in April 2022, Apollo described himself as "very gay." However, he has subsequently expressed his aversion to labels.
"These young queer individuals of this generation prefer not to be labeled," Apollo shared with Variety in October 2022. "I find it really amazing. Labels are unnecessary. However, if we must label it, 'queer' works well."
Burak Cingi/Redferns
Burak Cingi/Redferns
Since gaining fame, Apollo has become widely recognized, even among famous individuals. He has developed strong connections with notable figures such as Pedro Pascal from The Last of Us and Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac.
3. Apollo Has Famous Friends
At the age of 12, he became a self-taught musician by teaching himself to play the acoustic guitar through YouTube videos of Camp Rock covers. "I honestly had no other option besides TV," he reminisced in a 2019 interview with Remezcla. "Although we had a radio, I didn't have access to Wi-Fi or anything, so I relied solely on what was available on TV."
4. Apollo Taught Himself How to Play the Guitar
Although Apollo didn't win the Best New Artist category at the 2023 Grammy Awards, he was honored as the Future Icon at the 2022 Variety Hitmakers Awards and received the Inspira Award at the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards.
