Grimes and Elon Musk's young son is on a first-name basis with his mom.
On Thursday, the 33-year-old singer, whose real name is Claire Elise Boucher, was featured in a Vogue video showing herself getting ready for the 2021 Met Gala on Monday. Grimes attended the New York City fashion event in an Iris van Herpen gown inspired by director David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal sci-fi novel "Dune."
While getting dressed up for the evening on Monday, Sept. 13, Grimes shared tidbits about her personal life. During this informal discussion, Grimes shared why welcoming 16-month-old son X Æ A-Xii with longtime partner Elon, 50, in May 2020 was a major moment for her in a variety of ways.
"I think having a baby was a big rebirth for me, like artistically," she told the outlet. "Being a mother — feels weird to say. For some reason, I don't identify with that word."
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Met Gala 2021: Best Dressed Stars
She continued, "Which is also really weird because X, he says 'Claire,' but he doesn't say 'mama.' Which is so... I'm like, 'How are you...?' Like, maybe he can sense my distaste for the word 'mother.' Which I don't even know why I have a distaste for it, cause I like respect it. I don't [know], I can't identify with it weirdly."
Shortly after Grimes' bundle of joy arrived last year, the star took to Twitter to share the origin of the unusual name.
"X, the unknown variable," the musician wrote. ", my elven spelling of Ai (love &/or Artificial intelligence) A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent."
The reason for her choice of dress is less clear, but "Dune" is certainly having a moment in pop culture these days. Director Denis Villeneuve's updated film version stars Timothe Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa, and it debuts Friday, Oct. 22.