While on the popular segment of Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show With James Corden, Lil Nas X gave a glimpse into his mindset around dating as a celebrity. He also revealed why that will no longer involve the type of “well-known” men he previously met on the exclusive dating app Raya.
The “That’s What I Want” singer emerged on the music scene four years ago, quickly ushering in gay male representation unlike ever before. The rapper — whose real name is Montero Lamar Hil — came out with his breakout hit “Old Town Road” in 2019.
The same year of his album release, Lil Nas X graced the cover of Variety’s “Power of Young Hollywood” issue. He told the magazine about his relationship status.
“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.”
Eagle-eyed fans would later confirm the Montero hitmaker’s mystery man to be his backup dancer, Yai Ariza. Ariza would appear as the 24-year-old’s love interest in the “That’s What I Want” music video.
Lil Nas X confirmed that him and Yai Ariza were dating & says they’re still on good terms and may date again in the future.
“I love him, he’s amazing & the best person i’ve ever dated. I’m still very much in love, if it’s meant to happen it will.”
– Lil Nas X on SiriusXM pic.twitter.com/EvLZ9XafDK
— 𝙈𝘼𝙅𝙊𝙍 (@lilnasxmajor) October 1, 2021
In an October 2021 interview with SiriusXM’s Hits 1 LA, Lil Nas X confirmed the end of his relationship with Ariza.
Outside of his previous relationship, Lil Nas X has generally kept his love life private. However, he has revealed that he’s used the dating app Raya in the past. Launched in 2015, the membership-based dating and networking app is designed for celebrities, public figures and influencers alike.
“I used to utilize Raya,” he said. “It’s very much like…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.”
During his chat with James Corden this March, Corden asked the rapper if any of his dates ever appeared on Carpool Karaoke. When Lil Nas X said yes, the host joked if one of the men was Michael Bublé.
“I won’t tell you… Michael Bublé?! … No doubt, definitely,” the “Old Town Road” singer answered. “You got me. Might you at any point envision? Michael Bublé is gay?… He’s hot, and he has an amazing voice.”
No, Lil Nas X Did Not Actually Go on a Date With Michael Bublé: Here’s How the Singer Reacted to the Joke https://t.co/IwXYM6dNBk
— MSN (@MSN) March 29, 2023
“When the time comes [for love], I’m not going to force it, or anything,” Lil Nas X told GQ, “There’ll be somebody, and I’ll say, ‘Okay, I want to make this person a priority.’”
Love life aside, Lil Nas X is hard at work on his next musical project. During an impromptu Q&A on Twitter, he confirmed his intention for his sophomore effort to drop this summer.
“It’s mostly planning now,” he revealed. “I could easily just release music, but I have to build moments around this s**t. I have to go bigger than before!”