Khalid becoming the Black queer pop star we needed was not on our bingo card this year. Right before the December release of the deluxe edition of his third album, Sincere, Khalid was unceremoniously outed online. The “American Teen” singer may not have shared his identity with the public, but he let the world know he had nothing to hide. "Let's get this straight (lmao)I am not ashamed of my sexuality," he posted on X. Fans, peers and loved ones showered him with love. Khalid never skipped a beat, releasing new music with Chloe (“MIA”), Ayra Starr (“Make it Up to You”), and Normani (“Personal”) in less than two weeks after the incident. When we think about pop stars, Khalid sincere lyrics and a cozy baritone has to be in the conversation. The artist came onto the scene with effortlessly cool debut single “Location” in 2016. A string of high profile collabs followed: “lovely” with Billie Eilish, “Love Lies” with Normani and “Experience” with Victoria Monét. Khalid is the Black queer pop star we didn't know we needed. We love you Brother. — J.S.M.