Who is Troye Sivan? Troye Sivan Mellet, known simply as Troye Sivan, is a dynamic force in music and acting. Born on June 5, 1995, in Johannesburg, South Africa, he moved to Australia at age two. Starting his career in entertainment at just 12, Sivan has since become a global sensation. From his early days on YouTube to starring in films like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Boy Erased," his journey is nothing short of inspiring. With hits like "Youth" and "My My My!" and albums like "Blue Neighbourhood" and "Bloom," Sivan's influence on pop culture and LGBTQ+ representation is profound.
Key Takeaways:
- Troye Sivan, born in South Africa and raised in Australia, began his entertainment career at a young age, starring in films and gaining fame on YouTube before making a mark in the music industry.
- Sivan's impact extends beyond music, as he has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to promote representation and support charitable causes. His personal life and preferences also offer fans a glimpse into his world.
Early Life and Family
Troye Sivan's journey began in a different part of the world before he became a household name.
- Full Name: Troye Sivan Mellet is his full name, with "Sivan" being his middle name and stage name.
- Birthplace: Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but raised in Australia.
- Star Sign: Gemini.
- Family: He is one of four siblings, including one sister, Sage, and two brothers, Steele and Tyde.
- Early Life: Sivan's family moved to Australia when he was two years old due to rising crime rates in South Africa.
Early Career and Acting
Before his music career took off, Sivan dabbled in acting and stage performances.
- Entertainment Career: Sivan entered the entertainment world at the age of 12, performing in the stage musical "Oliver" in 2007.
- Short Film: In 2008, he was cast in a short Australian film called "Bertrand the Terrible," playing the role of Ace, one of three local bullies.
- Acting Roles: At 14, Sivan landed the role of a young James Howlett in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." He also played Gary in "Boy Erased" (2018) alongside Nicole Kidman.
Musical Beginnings
Sivan's passion for music began early and quickly gained momentum.
- Musical Beginnings: Sivan's musical career started with performances at the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Channel Seven Perth Telethon, where he sang a duet with Guy Sebastian, the winner of Australian Idol.
- YouTube Debut: Sivan began creating vlogs on YouTube in September 2012, after initially posting song covers from his bedroom in 2007.
- YouTube Success: By 2012, Sivan had accumulated 27,000 subscribers and by 2014, he had over four million followers.
- Teen Choice Award: A YouTube video Sivan made with fellow YouTuber Tyler Oakley, titled "The 'Boyfriend' Tag," earned them a Teen Choice Award in the "Choice Web Collaboration" category.
Breakthrough in Music
Sivan's music career took off with several successful releases and collaborations.
- Musical Style: Sivan's music is described as layered electropop with constant tinges of EDM.
- Baritone Voice: His baritone voice has received widespread praise, and his work has been compared to that of Lorde and Taylor Swift.
- Debut EP: Sivan released his debut EP, "Dare to Dream," in June 2007.
- Charity Work: In February 2010, Sivan opened "We Are the World 25 for Haiti (YouTube edition)," a collaborative music charity video to help raise money for the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
- Signing with EMI Australia: On June 5, 2013, Sivan was signed to EMI Australia, a Universal Music Australia label, though he kept it a secret until a year later.
- TRXYE EP: On August 15, 2014, Sivan released his five-song EP, TRXYE, led by its first single "Happy Little Pill." The EP debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in over 55 countries and No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
- Happy Little Pill Success: "Happy Little Pill" peaked at number 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments exceeding 35,000 copies.
Major Albums and Tours
Sivan's albums and tours have solidified his place in the music industry.
- Wild EP: In September 2015, Sivan released his second major-label EP, Wild, which served as an introduction to his debut studio album Blue Neighbourhood.
- Blue Neighbourhood Album: The album was released on December 4, 2015, and included the single "Youth," which became Sivan's first single to enter the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 23.
- Touring: Sivan supported Blue Neighbourhood and Wild with his first tour in 2015, followed by the Blue Neighbourhood Tour and Suburbia Tour in 2016.
- Collaboration with Martin Garrix: On May 26, 2017, Troye collaborated with Martin Garrix to produce the song "There for You."
Influence and Personal Life
Sivan's influence extends beyond music, impacting the LGBTQ+ community and his personal relationships.
- Influence on Queer Representation: Sivan has been credited with leading the charge for queer representation in music, starting with his 2014 single "Gasoline."
- Personal Life: Sivan started dating American model Jacob Bixenman in February 2016, who is one year older than him. His second album, Bloom, was inspired by his relationship with Jacob.
- Bloom Album: Released in 2018, Bloom reached the top five in Australia and the US. Its lead single, "My My My!", became Sivan's second number-one single on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
- In a Dream EP: In 2020, Sivan released his EP In a Dream.
- Something to Give Each Other Album: In 2023, he released his third album, Something to Give Each Other, on October 13. The album's three singles, "Rush," "Got Me Started," and "One of Your Girls," all reached the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart and the ARIA Singles Chart.
- Grammy Nominations: For the track "Rush," Sivan received his first Grammy Award nominations, one for Best Pop Dance Recording and another for Best Music Video.
Acting Career
Sivan's acting career has been as impressive as his music journey.
- Acting Career: Sivan's acting career began when his first manager discovered him on YouTube and put him forward for auditions. His first acting gig was a success, starring as young Wolverine in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
- Spud Trilogy: He also starred in each of the Spud trilogy films alongside John Cleese, cementing his career as an actor.
- Boy Erased: His role in Joel Edgerton’s Boy Erased (2018) about the harmful effects of conversion therapy further solidified his position as an actor.
- The Idol: In 2023, Sivan made his television debut with the HBO series The Idol, created by Sam Levinson and The Weeknd. The show was criticized for its depictions of sex and violence, but Sivan defended the show's creators.
Personal Insights and Preferences
Sivan's personal life and preferences give fans a glimpse into his world.
- Coming Out Video: At 17, Sivan uploaded his coming out video, which quickly gained a massive following.
- Influence on LGBTQ+ Community: Sivan has been a significant figure in reflecting the lives of LGBTQ+ young listeners through his music and vlogs, providing a nuanced portrayal of desire, love, pleasure, and pain.
- Charitable Work: Sivan is well-known for lending his celebrity to queer causes and charitable elements, often quietly inserting queer themes into the public consciousness.
- Favorite Artists: Sivan enjoys listening to the music of Frank Ocean and has cited Moulin Rouge as his favorite movie.
- Favorite Meals: One of his favorite meals is macaroni and cheese, which he always puts ketchup on.
- Favorite Color: His favorite color is blue.
- Pre-Concert Routine: Before his concerts, Sivan has a routine that includes doing 10 pushups and drinking tea.
- Family Pet: Growing up, the Sivan family had a dog named Jagga.
- Fashion Career: In 2015, Sivan walked the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week in the Saint Laurent Men’s fashion show.
- Relationship Inspiration: His second album, Bloom, was heavily influenced by his relationship with Jacob Bixenman, which critics noted changed his musical style.
- Criticism and Controversy: In 2018, Sivan faced criticism from his fans after reports alleged he had thrown some flowers from a fan into the trash.
- Philosophy on Relationships: Sivan has spoken about how his early experiences with relationships influenced his perspective on love and relationships, often reflecting on the fleeting nature of connections.
- Creative Process: Sivan’s approach to songwriting is centered around honesty, often dealing with the ramifications of his openness in his lyrics.
Recent Work and Legacy
Sivan continues to evolve as an artist, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
- Recent Work: His latest album, Something to Give Each Other, marks a new chapter in his career, with songs inspired by strangers he meets and spends one night with.
- Impact on Youth Culture: Sivan has been a linchpin of the first generation of online stars to gain international youth culture ubiquity almost exclusively from the confines of the internet.
- Awards and Recognition: Sivan was named one of The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014 by Time magazine, placing him alongside youth activist Malala Yousafzai.
- Legacy: As of November 2023, Sivan had over 8.1 million subscribers on YouTube and over 1.9 billion total views across his videos, cementing his legacy as a significant figure in both music and acting.
Troye Sivan: A Multifaceted Talent
Troye Sivan's journey from a young performer in stage musicals to a global pop star and actor is nothing short of impressive. Born in Johannesburg, raised in Australia, and now a household name, Sivan has made waves in both the music and acting industries. His music, known for its layered electropop and EDM influences, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Beyond his musical talents, Sivan's acting roles in films like "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and "Boy Erased" showcase his versatility.
Sivan's influence extends beyond entertainment; he's a significant figure in queer representation, using his platform to reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. With millions of followers on YouTube and numerous awards, Sivan continues to inspire and impact youth culture worldwide. His latest album, "Something to Give Each Other," marks another milestone in his ever-evolving career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.