Outloud

Warner Music France Spotlights the LGBTQI+ Music Scene

In honor of Pride Month, Warner Music France has launched the very first edition of Outloud, a nationwide music competition aimed at promoting emerging talent from the LGBTQI+ community. Organized in partnership with têtu·—a leading voice in queer media—the contest is open for submissions until August 31, 2025. The grand prize includes a coveted publishing deal with Warner Music, the record label behind global icons like Madonna, Kehlani, and Charli XCX.

A Diverse Jury & Multistage Selection Process

To evaluate the submissions, a panel of influential figures from the creative industries has been assembled. The jury includes Jenn Ayache, singer-songwriter and frontwoman of Superbus; Piche, a drag queen and rapper; Didier Varrod from Radio France; renowned content creators Popslay and Khal Ali; and DJ Cheetah, a prominent figure in the queer electro scene.

The selection will unfold in several stages. A shortlist of 20 semi-finalists will be invited to perform live in mid-October at Warner Music’s Paris headquarters. From this group, four finalists will be selected by the jury, while a fifth will be chosen via public vote on the official Outloud website. The grand finale will take place in late November 2025 in front of an audience of 400 attendees.

How to Apply

Artists interested in participating must submit their applications through the Outloud platform before August 31. The submission package must include a brief biography, three original tracks, a reference to a past live performance, and a personal statement detailing their engagement with the LGBTQI+ community.

A Cultural and Inclusive Initiative

More than just a talent contest, Outloud aims to become a platform celebrating queer culture, which still struggles for recognition within mainstream music. “Our goal is to support the winner through an in-depth artistic development process,” Warner Music stated. The selected artist will have access to professional guidance, studio facilities and equipment, and a network of industry partners and brand collaborators.

A Documentary to Champion Queer Voices

A documentary chronicling the journey of the competition will be released in January 2026, shining a spotlight on the transformative role of queer culture in shaping the modern music landscape. The final event will be more than a concert—it will also feature panel discussions tackling topics like representation and visibility in the music industry.

Outloud stands as a powerful platform for expression, recognition, and creative freedom for LGBTQI+ artists and their allies. If you’re a driven and passionate musician, this is your moment. Lift your voice and share your sound with the world.

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