Orville Peck Boyfriend William Mikelson: Public Reveal at 2024 GLAAD Awards and Ongoing Relationship
Feb. 25, 2026 — New York
Country musician Orville Peck publicly acknowledged his boyfriend, William “Billy” Mikelson, for the first time during an emotional acceptance speech for the Vito Russo Award at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on May 11, 2024, in New York. Presented by Jennifer Lawrence, the moment marked the official confirmation of long-rumored relationship ties between Peck and his Orville Peck boyfriend.
Lawrence introduced Peck by sharing details about Mikelson’s background in her speech.
Billy grew up in a religious household and struggled with accepting his sexuality for a long time. When he met Orville, he described falling in love as ‘healing.’ Orville had a different upbringing. His mom loved and accepted him. And because of that, she made a boy that loved himself and listened to himself.
Peck then thanked his partner onstage.
I would also like to thank my beautiful, encouraging family, friends, and my incredible partner, Billy. Thank you for encouraging me to be myself, which is a skill that I hope I can pass on to others.
Relationship Timeline
The couple’s first public red carpet appearance as Orville Peck’s boyfriend and partner occurred on March 10, 2024, at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party. Prior to the Orville Peck boyfriend reveal, fans speculated about a long-term relationship based on private references, though neither had confirmed it publicly.
Mikelson maintains a low profile, similar to Peck, with limited details on his profession available.
Recent Confirmations
As of five days ago, a viral X post explicitly identified Billy Mikelson as the Orville Peck boyfriend, listing him alongside Peck’s collaborators François Arnaud and Zane Phillips. The post garnered over 5,700 likes, reflecting continued fan interest.
No major developments or breakups have been reported through February 25, 2026.
Broader Context
In a March 26, 2025, New York Times podcast interview, Peck discussed his history as a “recovering love addict,” recounting a past abusive long-term relationship but noting he is now in the best place of his life, focusing on self-love. He did not reference Mikelson specifically.
