Today, the Capital Pride Alliance announced that critically acclaimed singer Melanie Martinez and actor/singer Alex Newell, of the hit television series Glee, have joined the roster of talent for the Capital Pride Concert presented by HOT 99.5 PRIDE Radio.
Melanie Martinez was a breakout contestant on Season 3 of The Voice in 2012, and was quickly signed by Atlantic Records. Her 2015 conceptual debut album, Cry Baby, produced the Top 10 hit “Pity Party.” Before her singing career, she began writing songs and playing guitar at 14, combining her loves for poetry and music. She was influenced both by her dad’s predilection for old-school hip-hop and her own interest in folk songwriters like Regina Spektor and Feist.
Martinez’s Cry Baby debuted at #5 on the Top Albums Chart, #6 on the Billboard 200, and #1 on the Billboard Current Alternative Album chart.
Alex Newell (Photo credit: Brian Ziff HR)
Alex Newell is known for his transgender/genderqueer character Wade “Unique” Adams on Glee. In 2015 he signed to Atlantic Records working with “Rather Be” stars Clean Bandit on their empowering track “Stronger”. His debut disco-injected dance-pop EP POWER—due out this year—already has a well-received single, “This Ain’t Over.” He is now seen all across the country performing at music festivals, numerous LGBTQ events, and Pride festivals.
“The accomplished talent and diversity at this year’s concert will be unparalleled. With the addition of Melanie Martinez and Alex Newell to the already dynamic roster of performers, we’re expecting the largest turnout in our over 40-year history, and expect this to be the best Capital Pride Concert ever,” said Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance.
The Capital Pride Concert will be held on Sunday, June 12, beginning at 1 p.m. For more information on the Pride Concert and other events, visit www.capitalpride.org.
