Will Young Opens up on Hiding Sexuality in Music Industry

Will Young, the winner of Pop Idol in 2002, has candidly shared his experiences of feeling "neutralised" in the music industry after coming out as gay. In a recent interview, he explained that societal expectations often rendered him asexual, contrasting his experience with that of straight pop stars who could freely express their sexuality. Young highlighted the disparity, noting that while artists like Justin Bieber can flaunt their bodies, he felt restricted in his expression, leading to a sense of being "neutralised." The singer's revelations come on the heels of his decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, where he faced significant pressure to continue despite battling severe agoraphobia. Young admitted to feeling unwell during the competition, stating that he was compelled to participate even when he knew he wasn't ready. He described the overwhelming nature of his condition, which left him disoriented and struggling with flashbacks. Young also recounted the challenges he faced while hiding his sexuality during his early career. He recalled a press conference where he was advised to remain silent about his orientation, despite the media's awareness. In a defiant response, he told the press to "f*** off," showcasing his frustration with the constraints placed upon him. He cleverly sidestepped questions about dating by jokingly suggesting he would prefer to have tea with The Queen, illustrating his struggle to navigate personal and public expectations.