Christina Aguilera takes aim at ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, parties with Paris Hilton at LA Pride – USA TODAY
LOS ANGELES – Two years after the coronavirus pandemic nixed celebrations around the world, Pride is officially back in Los Angeles – with the help of Christina Aguilera.
More than 23,000 people flocked to Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday for LA Pride in the Park, an all-day concert and entertainment event that saw Aguilera headline a lineup that included Rebecca Black, Michaela Jaé and more performers.
Throughout her set, Aguilera belted hits her fans have come to know and love, while also making space for surprise guests like Kim Petras, Paris Hilton and Mya. Her set also featured a montage condemning Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, which critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” and a touching tribute to her LGBTQ supporters.
LA Pride in the Park is the first large, in-person music event held as part of Los Angeles Pride since 2020 plans were torpedoed and 2021’s Charli XCX concert streamed virtually.
Here’s an inside look at the extravaganza.
Christina Aguilera pauses her LA Pride set for a segment on Florida’s ‘Dont Say Gay’ law
After starting off with high-energy, old-school numbers like “Dirrty” and “Fighter,” Aguilera left the stage mid-set while a video played attacking Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which was signed into law March 28.
The law forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and has galvanized people on both sides of the political aisle.
Disney’s ex-CEO Robert Iger criticizes Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill: ‘It’s about right and wrong’
“It has been dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill,” the video read. “So today, in honor of Pride, let us shout.”
Audience members chanted “Gay” as backup dancers held up signs revealing the words “Say Gay.” The words “equality,” “identity,” “peace,” “love,” “unity” and “freedom” also flashed on the screen behind them.
Mya reunites with Christina Aguilera on ‘Lady Marmalade,’ Paris Hilton honors newlywed Britney Spears
Aguilera didn’t keep the spotlight all to herself. She also brought out celebrity guests.
R&B artist Mya and Aguilera sang their 2001 hit “Lady Marmalade,” a reunion welcomed with wild cheers from the crowd.
Hilton also shocked fans when she was wheeled out on a platform to perform a DJ set. One of the first songs she played was “Toxic,” by her friend and newlywed Britney Spears. Hilton was spotted at Spears’ opulent, private wedding to Sam Asghari on Thursday.
Britney Spears’ ex-husband Jason Alexander arrested after crashing her wedding to Sam Asghari
In keeping with the 2000s theme of the night, Hilton also grabbed the mic and sang her 2006 song “Stars Are Blind.”
Petras also served as a surprise guest, delivering a risqué performance of her song “XXX.” Aguilera joined Petras onstage for the number wearing a large, sparkly green phallic strap-on, while Petras danced on all fours.
Christina Aguilera says businessmen debated changing her name because it was ‘too ethnic’
Christina Aguilera is ‘Beautiful’ in Pride cape
But the most stunning spectacle came from Aguilera’s closer: her ballad “Beautiful.”
The singer appeared onstage donning a flowing cape resembling the Pride flag. The cape was so large her backup dancers had to hold it up for her.
Earlier in the night, Aguilera shared her gratitude for her LGBTQ fans and opened up about how she hopes her music speaks to them.
“Thank you so much for having me tonight. I am so honored. I am so grateful. I am so humbled by your love and your support over the last 20-plus years,” she told the crowd from the stage. “I am so happy to always give back to you and give a voice, or try to, to anybody that feels like they’re suppressed, that feels like an outcast.”
She added: “I love these shows more than anything, because you know what? We represent freedom – freedom of expression, owning who you are, fearlessness and also fantasy.”
Christina Aguilera embraces turning 40: ‘I treasure the growth that comes with age’
