When Troye Sivan dropped the music video for "One of Your Girls" in late 2023, the internet basically had a collective meltdown. We’ve all seen viral moments, but this was different. It wasn't just about the song—which is a synth-pop masterpiece, honestly—it was about the visual of Troye in high-glam drag giving a lap dance to a shirtless, nonchalant Ross Lynch. It was the crossover nobody saw coming, yet everyone seemed to need.
Why did it work? Because Ross Lynch One of Your Girls wasn't just a cameo; it was a cultural reset for both artists. Ross, the former Disney star turned indie-rock heartthrob, and Troye, the king of unapologetic queer pop, created a moment that felt both high-fashion and incredibly raw.
How Ross Lynch ended up in that chair
The story of how Ross got involved is actually kind of wild. It wasn't some months-long negotiation between corporate labels. In fact, Ross revealed in a few interviews that the whole thing was super spur-of-the-moment.
He literally got a call the night before the shoot. Troye’s team reached out and basically said, "Hey, we want you for this, but you have to get on a red-eye to New York right now." Ross, being the chaotic legend he is, grabbed his brother Ryland and hopped on a plane. He hadn't even heard the song yet. He just knew the concept involved Troye in drag and a specific vibe, and he was down for it.
"When we got there, Troye was already in drag... for a moment, we didn't even know it was him." — Ross Lynch on the music video set.
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The "Straight Guy" trope and the casting genius
Troye Sivan has been very open about the meaning behind the lyrics. The song is about his experiences with "questioning" men—guys who identify as straight but want to experiment in secret. It’s a complicated, sometimes empty feeling, and Troye wanted the video to reflect that "fantasy version" of himself that he felt he had to become to please these men.
Casting Ross Lynch One of Your Girls was a tactical move. Troye told People that he needed someone who represented the "general population's thirst." Since Ross is constantly going viral for his shirtless performances with his band, The Driver Era, he was the "perfect" guy to play the object of desire.
- Director: Gordon von Steiner (who also did "Rush").
- Styling: Dara Allen (nods to 2000s Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera).
- The Vibe: Black and white transitions into high-saturation color.
- The Cameo: Ross Lynch sitting in a chair, unbuttoned jeans, peak "cool guy" energy.
What most people get wrong about the video
A lot of fans assumed Ross was Troye’s first and only choice. Interestingly, there were rumors floating around that other "internet boyfriends" like Jacob Elordi or Vinnie Hacker were considered or approached. Ross himself mentioned hearing these names in passing.
But honestly? It’s hard to imagine anyone else in that seat. Ross has this specific brand of relaxed, confident masculinity that didn't feel threatened by the scenario. He wasn't "playing" gay or straight; he was just there as a muse. That lack of ego is what made the chemistry feel so authentic.
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The video also sparked a lot of debate about whether Troye’s look was "drag" in the traditional sense. While Troye used the term, some critics argued it was more of a "gender-bending pop star" persona—think Britney in the "3" video. Whatever you call it, the result was the same: Ross Lynch looked genuinely impressed.
Viral impact and the Wembley reunion
The hype didn't stop when the video ended. In 2024, during Troye’s "Something to Give Each Other" tour, the two reunited at Wembley Arena in London.
The crowd went absolutely feral. Ross came out on stage, they recreated the "lap dance" moment from the video, and the clips dominated TikTok for weeks. It proved that this wasn't just a one-off marketing stunt. There’s a genuine mutual respect there. Ross has frequently called the track one of his favorite songs and praised Troye as a "really good person."
Why this moment matters for Ross’s career
For Ross, this was a massive pivot. He’s spent years trying to shake the "Austin & Ally" image. While Chilling Adventures of Sabrina helped, the Ross Lynch One of Your Girls era solidified him as a mature, edgy fashion icon. He wasn't just an actor anymore; he was a legitimate part of the pop culture zeitgeist.
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It also signaled a shift in how "straight" male stars interact with queer art. There was no "no homo" energy. No awkwardness. Just two artists making something cool.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're looking to capture even a fraction of this viral energy, here is what you can learn from the Ross Lynch and Troye Sivan collaboration:
- Speed over perfection: Ross took a red-eye flight without even hearing the song. Sometimes, saying "yes" to a wild creative opportunity is better than over-analyzing the contract.
- Visual storytelling trumps lyrics: The song is great, but the image of the lap dance is what people remember. If you’re a creator, think about the "hero shot" of your project.
- Lean into the "Thirst": Troye knew exactly what the internet wanted. He didn't shy away from the fact that Ross is a heartthrob; he leaned into it to tell a deeper story about self-worth.
- Cross-pollination works: Mixing two different fanbases (The Driver Era fans and Troye Sivan fans) creates a much larger reach than staying in your own lane.
Watch the "One of Your Girls" video again with an eye for the lighting and the way Ross plays the "unreachable" man. It’s a masterclass in music video direction.