Omar Apollo Biography: Omar Apolonio Velasco, professionally known as Omar Apollo, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, born on May 20, 1997. He gained widespread recognition after signing with Warner Records and releasing his debut album Ivory in 2022, which received critical acclaim and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Apollo is known for performing in both English and Spanish.
Omar Apollo Biography
Omar Apolonio Velasco, better known by his stage name Omar Apollo, is a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and actor celebrated for his genre-defying sound and vibrant style. Born on May 20, 1997, in Hobart, Indiana, he has gone from modest roots to earning a Grammy nomination and gaining recognition as an emerging force in both music and film. Singing in both English and Spanish, Apollo’s work delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and heartache, striking a powerful chord with a global Gen Z audience.
Omar Apollo Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Omar Apolonio Velasco |
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| Born | May 20, 1997 Hobart, Indiana, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2017–present |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Omar Apollo
Omar Apolonio Velasco, known professionally as Omar Apollo, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. After signing a record deal with Warner Records, his debut album, Ivory, was released in 2022 to positive reviews and earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
Omar Apollo Wiki
- Born: 20 May 1997 (age 28 years), Hobart, Indiana, United States
- Movies: Queer, Up Next: Omar Apollo
- Height: 1.98 m
- Genre: Pop
- Full name: Omar Apolonio Velasco
- Instruments: Vocals; guitar
Early Life and Career
Omar Apollo was born in Hobart, Indiana, to Mexican immigrant parents from Guadalajara. He was raised alongside his three older siblings in a working-class household where both parents juggled multiple jobs to support the family. As a child, he participated in ballet folklórico and was actively involved in his local Catholic church choir. When he was 12, Apollo asked for a guitar, and his parents gifted him an electric one—though it didn’t come with an amplifier. He later exchanged it at a pawn shop for an acoustic guitar.
By the age of 17, he was working at McDonald’s to save money for a laptop and microphone, which he used to teach himself how to sing and play music by watching YouTube covers. In addition to being self-taught, Apollo also learned from his uncle and began playing music at church. He eventually formed a short-lived band with a friend from the same church community.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Omar Apolonio Velasco
- Date of Birth: May 20, 1997
- Place of Birth: Hobart, Indiana, USA
- Nationality: American (of Mexican descent)
- Genres: R&B, Pop, Soul, Alternative
- Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actor
Family Background
Born to Mexican immigrants from Guadalajara, Omar Apollo grew up in Hobart, Indiana, as the youngest of four siblings. His parents worked tirelessly across multiple jobs, instilling in him a strong sense of discipline and determination.
Apollo’s musical upbringing was heavily influenced by the sounds of Pedro Infante, Los Panchos, and The Beatles. At 12, he received an electric guitar from his parents, which he later traded for an acoustic one at a pawn shop. With no formal training, he taught himself to play guitar using YouTube tutorials and performed in his church choir. He also participated in ballet folklórico, which helped shape his eclectic artistic identity.
Career Beginnings and Milestones
Omar Apollo began releasing music independently in 2017. His breakout moment came when his single “UGOTME” was featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” playlist, leading to growing recognition. In 2018 and 2019, he released his debut EPs Stereo and Friends, gaining a loyal fanbase drawn to his blend of R&B, soul, and alternative sounds. he signed with Warner Records and released his debut album Ivory, which included the viral hit “Evergreen”. The song earned him millions of streams and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023.
He followed up with his second album, God Said No, released on June 28, 2024, and recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. The project, praised for its emotional intensity and lyrical depth, received acclaim from critics, with Rolling Stone calling it “an emotionally harrowing look inside the psyche of a musician wringing every drop of meaning from pain.” To promote the album, Apollo launched the God Said No World Tour, spanning North America, Oceania, and Asia, with support from artists like Kevin Abstract and Ravyn Lenae.
Notable Works and Achievements
- “Evergreen” (2022): A standout single that showcased Apollo’s emotive vocals and lyrical vulnerability.
- Ivory (2022): His debut studio album, marking his breakthrough into mainstream music.
- God Said No (2024): His critically acclaimed sophomore album.
- Film Debut – Queer (2024): Apollo’s first acting role in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella, co-starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
Current Relevance and Recent Developments
As of mid-2025, Omar Apollo remains a major presence in music and culture. He attended the 2025 Met Gala, where he drew attention for his bold fashion choices and debuting a new hairstyle. He also made his mixed reality debut on Meta Horizon’s Music Valley on June 2, 2025, signaling his entry into digital and immersive entertainment.
Personal Life and Relationships
Apollo is open about his identity, often weaving personal experiences into his music. His 2024 album God Said No is deeply personal, touching on love and heartbreak. He was romantically linked to Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine in 2024, with public sightings — including a shared moment at Lollapalooza Brazil — sparking media buzz.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Self-Taught Guitarist: Learned to play guitar via YouTube videos.
- Church Roots: Participated in choir and folkloric dance at his Catholic church.
- Digital Pioneer: Entered the metaverse with his debut in Music Valley.
- Cultural Icon: A frequent face in fashion and entertainment circles.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Apollo is a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant advocacy. Through his visibility and honesty about his identity, he’s become a role model for young fans navigating similar journeys. His work continues to challenge norms and push boundaries in both music and representation.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Omar Apollo is set to expand his reach even further. With his transition into acting and digital media, he’s poised to become a multifaceted cultural force. Whether through music, fashion, or film, Apollo is shaping modern artistry and leaving a lasting imprint on pop culture.
Omar Apollo Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Omar Apollo’s estimated net worth is around $1 million. His income comes from music sales, streaming, touring, and brand deals. Notably, he once bought a Tesla in cash, reflecting his growing financial success. Apollo is also recognized for his fashion-forward style, making appearances at major events like the Oscars and Met Gala, where he often experiments with gender-fluid aesthetics and bold couture.
FAQs
How did Omar Apollo become famous?
Omar Apollo gained recognition in 2017 after independently releasing songs on Spotify. His track “UGOTME” was featured on the platform’s “Fresh Finds” playlist, helping him build a loyal fanbase and leading to major label attention.
What is Omar Apollo’s musical style?
Omar Apollo is known for his genre-blending sound that fuses R&B, soul, pop, and alternative. He often incorporates both English and Spanish lyrics, creating a rich and emotionally expressive style that appeals to a diverse audience.
What inspired Omar Apollo’s second album God Said No?
God Said No was inspired by themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional vulnerability. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the album reflects Apollo’s personal experiences and has been praised for its raw, introspective songwriting.
Who did Omar Apollo tour with in 2025?
During his God Said No World Tour in 2025, Omar Apollo was joined by notable opening acts such as Kevin Abstract and Ravyn Lenae. The tour covered regions across North America, Oceania, and Asia.
Has Omar Apollo acted in any films?
Yes, Omar Apollo made his film debut in 2024 in Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. He starred alongside Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, with the film premiering at the Venice International Film Festival.
What is Omar Apollo’s age and background?
Born on May 20, 1997, Omar Apollo is 28 years old as of 2025. He is of Mexican descent and grew up in Hobart, Indiana, in a working-class immigrant family. His background deeply influences his music and artistic identity.