Antonio Liranzo, Fake Friends | Beaming with Pride

In the 52^nd edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Fake Friends” performed by Antonio Liranzo.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”A” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]re you ready to beam with P-R-I-D-E? Beaming with Pride highlights songs by LGBTQ musicians and allies, offering background, analysis, and discussion of the decadent bops served up. All genres are welcome, and both classics and new songs are recognized. So, without further ado, in the 52^nd edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Fake Friends” performed by Antonio Liranzo.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

[nx_pullquote]“I’m the bestie that you all want / But you turned me into an opp / I’ll be your favorite villain.”[/nx_pullquote] An opp, huh?! Ooh-wee, you better take Antonio Liranzo at his word.  The boy said what he said, NO CAP! He brings the heat and keeps it a buck on his single, “Fake Friends”.  It’s been far too long since I’ve acknowledged Mr. Liranzo on The Musical Hype (“Berlin”).  He gets his flowers now, though! “Fake Friends” was written by Liranzo, Ashley Kalina, and Justin Hilton Portis.  Portis produced it.

“Fake Friends” commences enigmatically and moodily; it’s nebulous and unsettling.  This sound perfectly encapsulates fakeness, loneliness, and superficiality.  Once the groove settles in and Antonio Liranzo begins singing, everything comes together.  Liranzo impresses with his sincere and smooth pipes during the ballad portions. His tone is gorgeous, like him 🤫. It’s not all balladry, though! After setting things up, “Fake Friends” morphs into gimmickry, dance-pop during the chorus. His vocals become more effects-laden and rhythmic, characteristic of the genre. But also, the smoother moments come back, too. Thematically, Liranzo characterizes fake friends perfectly: “Main character of the plot / They live to see you fail / They’re jealous they’re the flop / Fake friends.” Woo! Antonio also adds to the growing negative connotation of Los Angeles: “Careful in the city of angels / You’re bound to meet a friendly devil.” Not only in L.A., either.  All told, my boy Antonio slays on “Fake Friends”.  It’s safe to say there’s nothing fake about his artistry and talent.