Hayley Kiyoko celebrated her 27th birthday on Tuesday (Apr. 3) by owning the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The synth-pop artist, whose debut album Expectations dropped on Friday (March 30), performed her single “Curious” in front of an energetic studio audience. With the assistance of four male backup dancers, she rocked out with some hip-hop inspired choreography and dazzling lights.
“Curious” depicts Kiyoko’s frustrations with a former love interest who she suspects is now dating a man. After starring in Disney Channel’s Lemonade Mouth in 2011 and then rising to stardom as a singer, Kiyoko has earned her fans’ loyalty by unapologetically embracing her queer identity.
Frequently referred to as “lesbian Jesus” by her fans, Kiyoko embraces her place in the LGBTQ community on her album, and has dubbed this year “20gayteen.” This month, she begins a national headlining tour, and will then serve as opening act for Panic! At the Disco‘s Pray for the Wicked Tour this summer.
Check out Kiyoko’s fiery performance of “Curious” below.