Royal Cut: Final LGBT+ elects Muse, Muse and Non-Binary Person from Carnaval 2026 at exciting night

On Thursday (23), the Cidade do Samba was stage of the final LGBT+ of the Royal Court of Carnaval Carioca 2026, a night dedicated to the representativeness, joy and strength of the LGBT+ community, which moves the world's largest popular party. In a show that united music, struggle and emotion, the winners were John Smile (Museum), Viviane Carvalho (Musa) and Wend (Non-Binary Person), which will represent the entire history of the movement in the carnaval over the next year.

With the artistic direction of Milton Cunha and presentation by Wilson Neto, King Momo 2022, and Bianca Monteiro, Queen of Bateira da Portela, the night was filled with speeches and unforgettable moments. Organized by Riotur with the motto “Celebrating Ancestrality”, the event was stage for the chosen to give their statements about what it means to be a LGBT+ representative at the Court, and what that title means to them.

"Today, I came to pay tribute to Black Gil. I came from the sun because Black Gil was light every day of her life, especially in the fight against cancer. I also wanted a round of applause for this woman who inspired me to be on this stage today. And show me that I am the sun, that I am reborn.", explained Johnn Smile, who brought a portrait of Black Gil inside the coastal of his fantasy.

"It is very important that we feel welcomed and embraced by you. Today, the theme of the event is to celebrate ancestry, and I would like to ask everyone to give a round of applause to our ancestors. They were real farmers, who planted and cultivated so that today, the samba tree of these fruits, as well as me, you and all these wonderful candidates who are here. I come from a place where samba was very distant, and thanks to it, my reality changed. Samba made me know places and people. Samba made me dance." Wend said.

“ I'll tell you a little story: In 2008, I participated in a contest at a nightclub, where I could not take my family, because I was still at that stage of being ashamed of my body. Today, at the age of 40, I am on the stage of Riotur, with my family and friends, and introducing myself to them in this world of mine. The LGBT+ universe goes far beyond what people say, goes far beyond the labels they put on us. All of this here is for the LGBT+ community, because our community is splendorous, powerful and indestructible.", said Viviane Carvalho, the chosen muse.

As in other days, the jury was composed of special names: David Brazil, journalist and personality; Dayvisson Gomes, Ambassador of the Carnaval River; Thalita Zamprirolli, model and battery queen of the United Bridge; Lucinha Nobre, legendary Tijuca United flag carrier; Samile Cunha, drag queen of carnaval 2005; Myrela Matos, Adviser of the Rio Diversity Secretariat and Leonardo Bruno, journalist and commentator of carnaval. The president of Riotur was also on the table, Bernardo Fellows, the Vice-President Luís Monsores and the Director of Operations Flavius Teixeira.

Samba from beginning to end

The opening of the musical program was on behalf of the Samba group They Want, which brought the female and collective force of samba in a show full of power and empowerment. Then the Empress Leopoldinense went on stage with the elegance and talent that consecrated her champion of the Carnaval Carioca of 2023. In a beautiful surprise performance, the choreographed dance group by Professor Fábio Batista, artistic director of Mangueira, celebrated the memory of the previous honorees, using fans with their faces to the classic samba-enredo sound of the carnaval.

Following, the artist Meime dos Brilhos delivered a show of color and performance, followed by irreverent Karina Karão, one of the great voices and personalities of the scene LGBT+ carioca, which made a presentation full of humor. Closing the night, the Sambay group, first of its kind dedicated to the movement, ensured the atmosphere of celebration, with much batuque, dance and joy, in a show that translated the spirit of Carnaval and diversity.

The night honored Black singer Gil, symbol of courage, authenticity and plurality. Icon of music and the struggle for respect and equality, Black represents the inclusive energy that the Carnaval of Rio has always defended, a space where everyone has a voice, shine and place to celebrate who they are, being even honored in fantasies of some of the candidates. Daughter of Gilberto Gil, Black was one of Brazil's most influential figures in the last 20 years, and died in July 2025.

Gilsinho was also celebrated at the event. The famous interpreter of Portela, champion in 2017, was one of the great voices of the carnaval for two decades, with striking passages also in the carnaval of São Paulo. The singer died on September 30, 2025.

The winners of the day will join the royalty of the Carnaval officially representing Rio at events, parades and celebrations, leading to the message of inclusion and joy that defines the Rio celebration.

Check out more information about the night winners

João Vitor (Johnn Smile) – 21 years old

@johnnsorrisoofc

Where he was born: Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Samba School / community: Portela / Oswaldo Cruz

Relationship with carnaval: I was born and raised in Oswaldo Cruz, birthplace of Portela. The carnaval is part of my essence — the space where I can be who I am with pride, where diversity shines and representativeness gains voice.

Why did you want to be elected: Because I believe in the strength of representativeness. I want to inspire and show that the carnaval is the stage of everyone, where diversity is synonymous with beauty, resistance and pride.

Viviane Carvalho – 40 years old

@vivianeckarvalhoo

Where he was born: Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Samba School / community: Independent Youth of Father Michael / City of God

Relationship with carnaval: I have a family relationship with carnaval. My father was an interpreter and my uncle was a samba composer. I've been behind the scenes helping my niece, the highlight of the Viradouro.

Why I wanted to be elected: I want to show you that our community goes beyond labels. We are powerful, cheerful and able to represent Rio in a beautiful way. When I'm 40, I live in my finest hour and I want to celebrate it as a muse.

Wend – 25 years

Other Organiser

Where he was born: Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Samba School / community: Willow / Vicente de Carvalho

Relationship with carnaval: I'm a makeup artist, an influencer and a show passer. Samba changed my life and took me to places I never imagined. I was one of the first passists of the Willow diversity.

Why did you want to be elected: To represent my legacy of perseverance and inspire other LGBTQIAPN+ people to conquer their spaces within the samba.

Programming of shows and tributes

24/10 (Friday) – Honor to Arlindo Cruz and Bira Presidente

Attractions: Quintal da Magia, Kiss-Flor and Arlindinho

Date: October 24 (Thursday)

Timetable: 19 h

Location: Cidade do Samba – R. Rivadavia Corrêa, 60 – Holy Christ

How to get there: VLT Line 1 (Santos Dumont x Terminal Gentleza) – Station Cidade do Samba/Tia Ciata

Ticket: Free entry

Transmission: Riotur and Yellow Tape /Youtube

Learn more: Defined the finalists who will play a place in the kingship of Carnaval Carioca