Chloe Qisha praises “iconic” trans pop star Eli at Apple Music Women’s Month Celebration
Speaking on a panel alongside queer icon Arlo Parks and British R&B royalty Mahalia, rising artist Chloe Qisha hailed trans musician Eli as “pop perfection”.
On Thursday 19 March, Apple Music celebrated International Women’s Month with a star-studded event at Battersea Power Station, shining a spotlight on the women in music who are breaking records, topping charts and inspiring others through their work.
This year’s line-up featured an array of UK-based talent: Arlo Parks, Rose Gray, Mahalia, Chloe Qisha and Flowerovlove. To mark the occasion, Beats created custom Studio Pros for each of the artists involved.
In conversation with Apple Music 1 host Rebecca Judd, the panel spoke about their musical journeys, the advice they’ve received and the women who have inspired them along the way. They also revealed their dream music collaborators, with Rose Gray speaking of her appreciation for Spice Girl Mel C and Arlo Parks sharing her admiration for artists such as Solange and Sade.
BBC Sound of 2026 shortlist artist Chloe Qisha shared her love for up-and-coming queer pop star, Eli, stating: “She’s just iconic. If anyone hasn’t heard of her yet, you will. Her album is just pop perfection. The story she tells as a trans woman is so important, and I think she’s gonna be so massive.”
Speaking with Gay Times upon the release of her debut album Stage Girl in November 2025, Eli discussed the part she’s playing in building a world where queer kids can exist “joyously and peacefully”.
“As far as I can tell, there will always be violence in this world, but there is a source of energy of joy, humour, and sincerity that beams so much stronger than that within me, and it feels universal.
"In other words, it is possible for all queer kids to access that space of existence amongst the small-minded people at school, the lame teachers who judge and who don’t know what fun is, and internet trolls who take their struggles out on the divine.”
Apple Music has launched Alpha Women where listeners can discover playlists, exclusive DJ mixes, radio takeovers and more. Listen to the playlist below.
