MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Billy Porter reveals 'he had no intention of coming back to the music industry' after Celine Dion recorded his song

Billy Porter candidly spoke about the homophobia he experienced in the industry

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billy Porter delved into the challenges he faced in the early days of his career in the music industry.

Describing the experience in the industry as "traumatizing," the 54-year-old singer candidly spoke in an interview with Vulture about the difficulties in fulfilling his aspirations as a musician due to the prevalent "homophobia" he experienced.

Billy Porter felt defeated after Celine Dion recorded one of his songs

Porter who was honored with a Master of Culture Honorary Degree by the publication further recalled his frustration with his song 'Love Is On the Way' going to Celine Dion.

"It was traumatizing. The industry was very homophobic," the Broadway Porter said of his pursuit of a solo music artist post his 1992 Star Search victory, and also his early Broadway success which were marred by the music industry's resistance to his identity. 

"It was all about the smoke and mirrors of trying to make the world think I was straight, that I was masculine enough to exist," he said.

Porter narrated his breaking point when he realized his authenticity was being compromised as he said, "Then my label gave my song to Celine Dion for The First Wives Club!."

He expressed his frustration with his soundtrack being recorded and featured by Dion on her album 'Let's Talk About Love' in 1997.

"They gave it right over to her! Same producer [Ric Wake] produced it for her. I was like, 'I did not come here to be a demo singer for f*****g Celine Dion! I’m done!,'" said the 'Pose' actor.

"It happened in that moment, and I said, 'I’m done. If this is all the music business has to offer me, I’m done. She can have it, you all can have it, I’m out,'" he continued.

Billy Porter is frustrated with the industry's 'systems of oppression'

Porter clarified that his frustration was not directed at Dion but at the music industry's systemic issues. 

"I love her, no shade, she’s fabulous, this isn’t about Celine Dion. It’s about the systems of oppression that mute and dismiss our contribution to the world," he said.

Porter, who is now an A-lister and celebrated artist, "had no intention of coming back to the music industry in a mainstream way," at the time.

However, after years of success in television and on Broadway, he has made a return to music as he dropped his new album 'Black Mona Lisa' on Friday, November 17.

"She free, bitch!” the artist jokingly said of creating music on his own terms today.