Lyle Anthony: A Trophy Boy with PRIDE

Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander

One of South Africa’s hottest exports is singer/songwriter Lyle Anthony, who is currently heating up the Pride circuit with performances across the nation. His winning personality, muscled body, and powerhouse voice have quickly made him a fan favorite. Lyle is no stranger to the Andrew Christian Universe, having served as Trophy Boy of the Year in 2019 and currently featured on our site in almost NSFW undies.

Growing up with music, he made his first big break winning the international hit show Popstars (precursor to American Idol), a show that gave life to the careers of Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole among others. After winning the show and being signed to EMI Records, he traveled the world as a guest singer on cruise ships in over 30 countries and performed with the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira at the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.

After being granted an extraordinary artist visa by the US, he’s now a proud part of the LGBTQ culture in Southern California. During COVID, he released his debut EP The Love Project, and his latest single, “Say Gay” is trending on TikTok as his protest against the Don’t Say Gay Bill.

We chatted with Lyle before he jetted off to New York City Pride to chat about his career, sexuality, Pride, and, of course, undies:

What piece of music or artist first inspired you to get into the music biz?

Growing up, my mom and dad took us to the theatre a lot and I first fell in love with watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. From an artist perspective, I was inspired by so many artists but the one I loved the most growing up was Craig David. I would sit with my cassette player and play his music over and over and try to sing just like him.

What do you love most about your South African culture?

The way we celebrate each other, for the most part. South Africans are just a happy-go-lucky bunch of people that enjoy dancing and having a good time.

What was your first professional performance, and what was that experience like?

My first professional performance was in a theatre and it was shit coz I forgot my lyrics and blanked out, lol.

What is your coming-out story?

I didn’t have a coming-out story. I came out of the womb once and didn’t need to explain who I was to anyone. Now I do love a good coming-out story, but I don’t feel like it’s that serious. I’m ain’t crying about who and what I am! They’ll catch up and that’s on period!

What made you move to the US?

My music career made me move to the US. I won an international competition called Popstars and it afforded me great opportunities, one of which was being granted an extraordinary ability visa from the US Govt. You know, just a little extra never hurt nobody, haha.

What was the hardest thing to adjust to in living in the US?

The hardest thing about moving to the US I guess was not having my support structure around me and having to rely on me, myself, and I which really wasn’t that hard. But missing family functions, weddings and good times ain’t cute.

How have you changed the most from your first year in the music industry?

I have changed so much over the 15 years of being in the music industry. It has evolved so much that as an artist you’ve got to keep up or you’ll be left behind wondering what’s next.

You are a Trophy Boy alumni, what does being a Trophy Boy mean to you?

Firstly, I love the Andrew Christian brand and have for many years, even before winning the 2019 Trophy Boy Search so, for me, coming from South Africa and being one of the faces of the biggest underwear brand in the world is truly amazing and one to remember. I love my AC family.

Do you ever think the sexuality of your pics and your performance overshadows your musical talent?

My music, my performance, and my sexuality go hand in hand, there’s not one without the other, so no, my pics and sexuality don’t overshadow my performance coz my performance game is STRONG, you better ask somebody! Haha.

You have played Pride and other LGBTQ events all over the nation, what has been a favorite onstage memory?

My favorite onstage memory was definitely performing alongside Shakira and Black Eyed Peas at the 2010 Soccer World Cup. I will say having been afforded the opportunity to travel to over 50 countries doing what I love in a nutshell is the best part of my journey. I’m excited about what the future holds.

What was the inspiration behind The Love Project?

Love is always my inspiration behind anything I do. It’s taken me years and years to love myself deeply and really mean it. Being comfortable in your own skin is a journey and one which I have worked hard on so yeah, being able to love myself and loving others was my inspiration behind the Love Project, and also the ability to start over again wherever that may be.

Which do you prefer, singing in the studio or singing live on stage?

Nothing beats singing live on stage. Singing in-studio is truly just the stepping stone to the magic I get to share as an artist on stage.

What does the word “PRIDE” mean to you?

Pride means so many things to me, but most importantly being proud to represent myself in the best way possible, being authentically me, and being able to spread the love! As an activist and someone who loves our LGBTQ+ community dearly, I’m always proudest to represent US well.

What do you think our community needs to do most during this Pride season?

I think our community needs to start really investing in our LGBTQ+ talent, there is some incredible talent in our community. I also think our community and our people really need to start loving ourselves harder and start evolving beyond our own limitations.

What is the favorite part of your body?

I love my chest and ass.

What do you notice first about a man?

Confidence, smile, and feet (it will disqualify you)! Lol

What is the perfect date for you?

A perfect date is easy and uncomplicated. Amazing conversation and energy to match. If it’s not giving good energy, it ain’t giving anything.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on my next album. It’s going to be my best work yet and I’m so excited for you to hear some of the new songs. I need All your support and love.

What kind of underwear do you wear around the house on a day off?

I don’t wear underwear around the house, I like to be naked in my own space. However, I do love a jock strap.

If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?

The perfect underwear that I would design is probably a thing with rhinestones. I love a rhinestone moment, either a jock strap or a thong.

You can follow Lyle Anthony on IG: @LyleAnthonyOfficial