Nicky Doll’s Debut Album “APOLLO • ARTEMIS” Illuminates the Dualities of Identity and Artistry

Nicky Doll, best known as the poised host of "Drag Race France" and a celebrated alumna of "RuPaul’s Drag Race," has taken a bold step into the music industry with the release of her debut album “APOLLO • ARTEMIS” . The project, which landed on major streaming platforms on September 5, 2025, is comprised of ten tracks that blend electronic pop, dance, and introspective balladry .

Nicky Doll’s transition from the drag stage to the recording studio represents a significant expansion of her artistic repertoire. As a visible queer artist who performed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and continues to inspire audiences globally, she brings a message of authenticity and resilience to her music .

The album’s title, “APOLLO • ARTEMIS,” is a reference to the mythological twins—Apollo, god of the sun and the arts, and Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. Nicky Doll uses this duality to frame the album’s central exploration: the coexistence of light and darkness, masculinity and femininity, vulnerability and strength within her own identity .

The entertainer told Out Magazine, “I wanted to make sure I would be proud of what I put out. I have worked for years on this project. Every time I decided to release it, it wasn't good enough, and I would postpone. As a queer artist, I also wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting an opportunity, because we don't always have that many. It needed to be perfect, in my eyes, and I am extremely proud of it” .

The album’s opening track, “How Do I Look,” reimagines The Ones’ 2007 hit “Flawless” as an unapologetically drag-infused anthem, setting the tone for a record that is both a celebration of queer culture and a personal narrative of transformation .

A standout theme throughout “APOLLO • ARTEMIS” is reconciliation with the self. In conversation with Out magazine, Nicky Doll described the album as a way of “apologizing to your inner child for leaving — in order to come back stronger,” a sentiment that echoes deeply within many LGBTQ+ listeners who have navigated journeys of self-acceptance .

Each song guides listeners through a landscape of emotional peaks and valleys: from the shimmering confidence of “How Do I Look” to the introspective vulnerability of tracks like “Drifting Away.” The album’s structure mirrors the duality at its heart, balancing high-energy dance tracks with slower, more contemplative moments .

The release of “APOLLO • ARTEMIS” has already sparked conversation across queer media and social platforms, with fans and cultural commentators hailing it as a landmark achievement for drag artists in popular music . Reviewers have compared Nicky Doll’s work to the pioneering efforts of RuPaul, underscoring the significance of her visibility and artistry in a landscape where opportunities for LGBTQ+ musicians remain limited .

The album’s duality resonates not only as a personal journey but as a shared experience among LGBTQ+ individuals who navigate the complexities of identity in a world often resistant to difference. By centering queer narratives and embracing both strength and vulnerability, Nicky Doll offers a work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable within the community .

Nicky Doll’s debut arrives at a time when drag artistry is experiencing unprecedented visibility on the global stage, from television to live performance to recorded music. Her presence at major events such as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and her leadership on Drag Race France have already positioned her as an ambassador for queer culture .