Lorde Releases Controversial Nude-Cover Album Virgin

Lorde released her fourth studio album, Virgin, in June 2025 after a four-year hiatus, marking what many consider her boldest and most emotionally raw project yet. The album delves into themes such as gender dysphoria, body image, complex relationships, and the pressures of early fame, with the lead single "Man of the Year" explicitly addressing non-binary identity. The vinyl edition of Virgin sparked controversy due to an included eight-page picture booklet featuring a nude crotch photo through sheer pants, confirmed by Lorde's spokesperson to be the singer herself, which drew mixed reactions from fans and critics. Visually, the album cover uses a blue-tinged X-ray pelvis image, reinforcing the album's exploration of physicality and identity. Lorde's 2025 Ultrasound Tour is set to cover Europe and North America, promising raw and unapologetic live performances, though no Asian dates have been announced. Her latest work cements her evolution into a pop artist who grapples with authenticity, body politics, and emotional vulnerability in the public eye.