A bold new era is unfolding for Rita Ora, and she’s bringing her fans along for the ride.
The 34-year-old singer is making waves with her latest single, “Heat”, which has already sparked conversations as one of the 2025 songs of the summer.
The sexy, dance-heavy track is just the beginning of a new phase in Ora’s career, as she gears up for the release of her fourth studio album. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ora shares why this new chapter is all about embracing her sensuality and not holding back.
Embracing Her Sexuality
For Ora, the theme of her upcoming album is all about being direct and authentic. “The whole theme of this record is really about being instant and really direct with my messaging and stripping everything back behind me, production wise,” she says, explaining the minimalistic approach she’s taking with her music.
Her track “Heat” serves as the perfect introduction to this new phase. Co-written by pop sensation Troye Sivan, the steamy anthem is a celebration of Ora’s womanhood and her sexiness. “I love his sexuality and the celebration he has with that,” Ora says of Sivan.
“I was really inspired for me and my womanhood to really kind of celebrate my sexuality, my sexiness and get back into my body, you know? And this really just embodied that.”
No More Holding Back
The provocative lyrics in “Heat” are a clear indication that Ora is fully embracing her confidence this time around. The opening verse — “Sex on sight, anywhere you like, inside or outside” — sets the tone for the unapologetic energy of the track.
Ora admits that this line represents her decision to not hold back any longer. “Such a clear message of, like, ‘Oh, wow, she really isn’t holding back this time.’ And I’m really not,” she states.
With “Heat”, Ora is eager to remind her fans, especially her newer followers, of who she is. “I have so many things to sort of remind the public with, especially my new fans,” she explains, adding that she relishes the opportunity to reintroduce herself as an artist.
A High-Energy Performance at The Hill in New York
Ora’s energy and confidence were on full display as she took the stage at The Hill in Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York, on July 11, celebrating the Wimbledon finals in front of a packed crowd. From the moment she stepped on stage, the crowd was hooked, dancing to hits from her early career like “Hot Right Now” to her most recent tracks such as “Ask and You Shall Receive”.
The performance came during the Wimbledon finals, an event that has special meaning for the UK-born Ora. “It’s so special to know that Wimbledon is so international,” she reflects.
“It’s loved all over the globe. Coming from the UK, it’s embedded in us. It’s our history and all that comes with it.” Ora also highlighted the significance of watching the women’s finals and being part of such a historic event.
What’s Next for Rita Ora?
With “Heat” leading the way, Rita Ora is ready to show the world a new side of herself and embrace her sensuality in a way she never has before. Her upcoming album promises to be a bold and fearless expression of who she truly is, and fans are more than ready to see what comes next for this dynamic star.
