Troye Sivan Shares How He Got Nicole Kidman for ‘She’s the Best’ Video (And What He Thinks of ADÉLA’s Hit)

In a notable intersection of pop music and cinema, Australian singer Troye Sivan has enlisted celebrated actress Nicole Kidman to star in his latest music video for the single "She’s the Best." The collaboration, revealed in an October 9 interview with Billboard, highlights Kidman’s enduring influence as a muse within contemporary pop culture.

Sivan’s appreciation for Kidman is deeply personal, viewing her as an emblematic figure representing a captivating energy and a standard of womanhood that has fascinated him throughout his life. His decision to feature the Oscar-winning actress in the video was driven by this long-standing admiration, which also aligns with the thematic intentions behind his new album, also titled She’s the Best, released the same day as the interview.

The artist shared insights into the unpredictability surrounding Kidman’s participation, given her high demand and busy schedule. Sivan admitted he remained skeptical until the production wrapped, anticipating last-minute changes that might prevent her involvement. However, Kidman’s active presence throughout the video shoot defied these expectations, underscoring her commitment to the project.

This collaboration emerges alongside a cultural wave recognizing Kidman’s impact within the music industry, notably through Slovak singer ADÉLA’s single "Nicole Kidman," which recently climbed to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sivan acknowledged the resonance of ADÉLA’s track, suggesting that both artists are drawn to Kidman’s enigmatic influence for similar reasons, although he has not directly communicated with ADÉLA about it.

Sivan’s album She’s the Best marks his return after a three-year interval following his 2023 release, Something to Give Each Other, which reached number 20 on the Billboard 200. The new project leans into themes of admiration and personal expression, spotlighting women like Kidman who have shaped his artistic vision.

Musically, the album explores a range of pop sensibilities, including a track titled "Canada Dry," which Sivan describes as capturing a sleek, seductive vibe reminiscent of artists such as Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, and contemporary pop figures like Addison Rae. This stylistic choice reflects his desire to revisit and reinterpret specific pop music aesthetics that have influenced him.

Further cementing his homage to pop icons, Sivan incorporates a sample from Madonna’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper "Music" in his song "Party." He praised Madonna for her willingness to grant clearance quickly, which allowed him to integrate the sample seamlessly. The track is crafted to evoke a club atmosphere, with an intentional build-up leading into the iconic sample to create a sense of ascension on the dance floor.

Regarding his artistic philosophy, Sivan expressed a conscious departure from conventional pop expectations and the pursuit of mainstream hits. He emphasized a preference for authenticity and personal resonance over chart dominance, citing how earlier songs like "Rush" impacted his career more profoundly than commercially successful tracks.

This approach signals Sivan’s intent to prioritize creative autonomy, positioning She’s the Best as a reclamation of his individual identity within the pop landscape. Through this album and his collaboration with Kidman, he aligns himself with figures who embody both artistic integrity and cultural significance.

Overall, Troye Sivan’s latest work and his choice to feature Nicole Kidman illustrate a strategic and heartfelt engagement with the icons that inspire him, reinforcing a broader trend of cross-medium artistic admiration in today’s entertainment industry. Details on future projects or further collaborations remain limited at this time.