Frankie Grande, the elder brother of pop sensation and Oscar-nominee Ariana Grande, has released a debut album entitled 'Hotel Rock Bottom'. It is inspired by his sobriety journey and was released in tandem with Pride month.
'I’m eight years sober,' he told ITV News. 'Had I tried to release an album while I was drinking and using, I probably would have never released it, it probably would never have seen the light of day. If it did, god knows what it would have sounded like. I’m grateful that I took my time and waited until my instrument was clean and pure, and I could tell the stories that I wanted to tell.'
Frankie, 42, is an American actor, singer, dancer, television host and producer who boasts 1 million Instagram followers and 1.5M TikTok followers. He performed on Broadway as Franz in the musical Rock of Ages (2014–2015) and in Mamma Mia! (2007–2010) and has also starred in regional theatre productions. In 2014, he was a contestant on series 16 of Big Brother, and in 2023, he was a contestant on Big Brother Reindeer Games.
He recently celebrated the launch of his album at London Pride. 'It’s a beautiful place with so many people of different backgrounds,' he told ITV News. 'The LGBTQ+ community has always been so accepted here, especially in music. I do think you have broken many queer artists here before the United States.'
Frankie spoke openly about how supportive his family has been, both about his sexuality and his sobriety journey. 'I’m so blessed that I have such an amazingly accepting family who has allowed me to be my authentic self and supported me through some of the difficulties of being a public figure who is out, loud and proud!'
'As someone who has the privilege to be this gay publicly,' he continued, 'I’m really grateful to be handing the microphone, and I’m hoping to inspire younger people to feel empowered and to be themselves authentically.'
What has Ariana Grande said about Frankie Grande's new album?
Frankie says his younger sister Ariana, who is one of the leads in the mega-hit Wicked, has given him some sage advice about his music career. 'She’s been unbelievable throughout this process. I think the thing she’s learnt throughout her many years in the music industry is to trust her gut. For me, as a fledgling artist, I am scared to trust my gut; I will overthink things if I’m allowed to. I learnt from her to trust your gut, and it will lead you on the path that you are supposed to go down.'
His new music, including singles like 'Boys' and 'Rhythm of Love' can be found on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Who is Frankie Grande's husband?
Also supporting Frankie's music career all the way is his husband-of-three years Hale Leon. The pair was married by Frankie's mother, Joan Grande, at the Grande family home in Boca Raton, Florida, in a small, Star Wars-themed ceremony on 4 May 2022. Ariana once described them as 'two very incredible and cosmically destined souls'.
Hale Leon, 33, is a model, actor and influencer.
After their wedding, Frankie posted on Instagram to write: 'I can't wait to share all of these amazing stories, pics and videos with you all slowly as we get them, but for now, let me just say I am the happiest I've ever been. I'm married to the man of my dreams, our families have merged together so beautifully, and we are well on our way to happily ever after. I love you Hale Grande. I am so so honored to be your husband.'
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).