‘I was addressing sexuality in every artistic gesture’

As he returns with a new album, Beirut-born pop star Mika opens up to Roisin O'Connor about his late mother's lasting influence, early critical backlash, and the joys of creativity

- Roisin O'Connor

It’s impossible to feel stressed around Mika. I learn this after getting stuck on a train en route to meet the pop singer in south London, panicking that I’m going to be late for our interview, with the knowledge that he’s on a very tight schedule. Within moments, he’s instructed his cabbie to turn around and head towards the Southbank Centre instead, which is much easier for me to get to. Having arrived at this new location somewhat flustered, I’m greeted with a warm hug and his insistence that we get a cup of tea first, giving me time to compose myself.

It’s one of those perfect winter days in London - the sky is a clear blue, the air is crisp and boats are gliding serenely down the Thames. The place is virtually deserted, save for a gaggle of schoolchildren being herded towards a Gilbert & George exhibition by their teachers. We settle at a table outside, not minding the cold; Mika is dressed impeccably in a gorgeous wool coat and charcoal knit hat that’s pulled over his boyish mop of curls, a smart suede carryall by his feet. He makes for charming company - our conversation is frequently sidetracked as we learn we live down the coast from one another in Kent, and that we possibly know the same lovely cab driver who often whisks him under the Channel to France.

Though it’s 18 years since his relentlessly perky hit “Grace Kelly” was blaring from speakers all around the world, it’s an exciting time to be the pop star born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr. He’s preparing to release his first English-language album in six years, the dazzling Hyperlove, and is also returning as a judge on the new series of Channel 4’s The Piano. His Instagram feed shows a whirlwind of promo and globetrotting, from awards ceremonies, hanging out with Bob Geldof and Lewis Capaldi, to a recent cover shoot with his hero, Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood fame. His 2026 tour is selling out fast.