Lil Nas X
confirmed in an interview with Variety that he's found "the one," and while he didn't name any names, rumor has it that the undeniable chemistry between him and backup dancer/on-screen love interest, Yainer "Yai" Ariza, is very real.
Intimate moments between the two began circulating online before the release of Lil Nas X's Montero album was released. However, a spicy scene in the rapper's “That’s What I Want” music video is stirring up even more questions about the pair.
Who is Yai Ariza? We did our own investigation and here’s the tea:
1. He's the leading man in Lil Nas X's latest music video.
The new rumored couple has been working closely together over the past few months. Not only was Ariza featured as a dancer in Lil Nas X's "Industry Baby" video, but you can also spot him in the steamy music video for “That’s What I Want” as Lil Nas X's love interest. The music video, inspired by Brokeback Mountain, features a guest appearance by actor Billy Porter as well.
2. The pair kissed during the 2021 BET Awards.
This very moment shook the world. Critics protested against Lil Nas X's nationally televised onstage lip-lock with his backup dancer during his performance of "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" at the 2021 BET Awards. The two caused quite a stir. It was the first time in BET Awards history that two male entertainers engaged in a kiss onstage. It's safe to assume Ariza was proud of this moment, given that he posted it multiple times on social media.
Ariza was also the dancer seen licking Lil Nas X's neck during his performance on Saturday Night Live, which naturally progressed to the kiss during the BET Awards.
“We did the lick [on SNL] and had to continue it, so, I was the person for the kiss as well. I guess Nas agreed with it," Ariza said in an interview with Attitude.
He continued, “It’s not just about a kiss — it’s the meaning of it, too. Doing it on international TV and being two Black, gay guys. Why not? I’m not losing anything. It was a really nice kiss.”
3. He slays in a pair of heels.
Ladies, watch out because Ariza has his foot on our necks with this recent post of him and fellow dancer friends killing a choreographed routine in 6-inch-heels! Ariza exudes confidence with every move he makes. You can officially add us to the Ariza fan club.
4. He's more than just Lil Nas X's backup dancer.
Ariza is a professional dancer, repped by Clear Talent Group. He's been dancing professionally for eight years and has worked on major brand campaigns, including for Samsung. He’s also partnered alongside actress Shay Mitchell in a creative video directed by photographer Greg Swales.
5. Yai Ariza was born and raised in Colombia.
Though he currently resides in Los Angeles, the 24-year-old dancer proudly represents Colombia where he grew up with his sister Tefy, mother Lorraine Medrano Bonfante and his father Jose Geronimo Ariza Diaz.
In 2011, Colombia banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2016, became the fourth South American country to legalize same-sex marriage. And while it seems as though there are many advancements being made, there's still much work to be done. According to Reuters, in just the first eight months of 2020, at least 63 members of the LGBTQ+ community lost their lives to violence. Knowing this, Ariza has been intentional in bringing awareness to LGBTQ+ issues.
6. UPDATE
Lil Nas X is back on the market! After recently announcing that he found “the one,” the pop phenom has now revealed to Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy that he is officially single. Regarding his status, the 22-year-old said, “I don’t think I want any guy right now, you know?” He continued, “Maybe I’m floating around right now. … I just want to work on music and every now and then, you know, maybe I’ll kiss a guy every blue moon, you know?"
