Trans singer Riley Knoxx makes history as NBA half time performer

"They reached out to me, believe it or not."

Riley Knoxx

Riley Knoxx has made NBA history. Source: Getty Images

Trans singer and performer Riley Knoxx will make history, becoming the first out trans woman to appear during an NBA halftime performance.

Knoxx, who is known for impersonating Beyoncé and recently appeared in the music video for Taylor Swift's pride track 'You Need To Calm Down', shared the exciting news on social media.

"So honoured to be the first transgender woman ever to perform at an NBA half-time show!", the rising star wrote on Instagram.

"Thank you to the Washington Wizards! Get your tickets now and come out and help spread the equality! Let's Make History together! AND YES THE BALL IS REAL NOT PHOTOSHOP!"
The 38-year-old singer spoke about the big break on Good Morning America, saying: "They reached out to me, believe it or not."

She added: "They have been watching for a while and they've been wanting me to perform at their events, but they were just waiting for the right time and space.

"And it just worked out that because they were watching, that's how I got this chance."

She said that recent success hadn't come overnight.

"People often ask me, 'Well how did you get this or how did you get that?' and I say, 'Years and years of preparation, years and years of putting in the hard work,'" she said.

"I've worked and worked and worked until I was blue in the face and I still do. I still have the drive and the love for this after all these years."

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By Samuel Leighton-Dore


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Trans singer Riley Knoxx makes history as NBA half time performer | SBS Voices