Grasslands, gold capes, a red sky, and Nadine Lustre staring right into the camera. The "Donuts" video is here, and it looks like a movie.
.jpg "Nadine Lustre as a warrior princess with Apl.de.Ap in the Donuts music video")
Screenshot: YouTube / Nadine LustreWhat is the "Donuts" music video about?
Nadine plays a warrior princess who moves through a lawless and oppressive world. According to Billboard Philippines, the story follows her journey to reclaim her power and freedom. The setting is a made-up land of open grasslands, and Nadine wanted it to feel rooted in being Filipino, with influences in the setting, the styling and the imagery.
Interaksyon added that the look was inspired by pre-colonial Philippine royalty, mixed with a post-apocalyptic, futuristic feel. That fits the layered jewelry and fur trim in the frame above.
Who is Apl.de.Ap in the song?
Apl.de.Ap is the Filipino-American Black Eyed Peas member who guests on the track. The song was reportedly planned as a solo release before he joined it. Apl.de.Ap had good things to say after seeing the video:
I love the video. It's so mythical. Nadine and the team have such a unique lens.
What did Nadine say about making it?
Nadine says the video connects to a bigger body of work about transformation, stepping into your power, and feeling more comfortable with who you are. She also gave credit to her team:
Everyone brought their own perspective, from the styling and production design to the movement and how everything would look on camera.
What was Nadine's caption for the teaser?
When the teaser dropped on September 17, Nadine wrote: "Pay me donuts if you want me in the room." The teaser got around 31,000 likes on Instagram, according to Interaksyon.
Where does "Donuts" fit in her comeback?
Billboard Philippines reports that the single came out on September 4, 2026, following her comeback single "Personal" on July 31. It was released through Cool Girl Records and written by Nadine with Andric Ivo Empreso and Jan Roberts Baloloy.
Why that caption hits home
We are not saying the caption is a message to anyone in particular. But if you have ever been asked to work "for exposure," you understand the mood. Knowing your worth and asking for it is a whole era on its own.
Have you watched the video yet? Tell us your favorite look in the comments.
Quick answers
When did Nadine Lustre's Donuts music video come out?
The music video premiered on September 18, 2026. The teaser came out on September 17.
Who is featured in Nadine Lustre's Donuts?
Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap is featured on the song and in the music video.
What is the Donuts music video about?
Nadine plays a warrior princess in a fictional, Filipino-inspired world, on a journey to reclaim her power and freedom.
Updated September 21, 2026. Sources and photo credits: YouTube: Nadine Lustre | Fashion Pulis | Billboard Philippines | Interaksyon | Cinema Bravo. All photos belong to their respective owners.