Stacey Abrams Critiques Calls for Pop Stars to Stay Out of Politics: “It’s Reductive”
In a recent interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Stacey Abrams, the prominent Democratic activist and politician, addressed the controversy surrounding pop stars speaking out on political matters, calling the argument that musicians should “just stick to music” as “extraordinarily reductive.”
During a time when pop stars are facing increased scrutiny for their political involvement, Abrams defended their right to express their opinions. “Women live whole, complete lives, and part of those lives can be the art that they make, but they don’t cease to be citizens and neighbors just because they’re known for their art,” she said. “We would never tell a businessperson they shouldn’t vote or speak out. Why would we tell an artist they can’t talk about their lived experiences just because they entertain us?”
The conversation around celebrities and politics has become more prominent leading up to the 2024 election. Beyoncé, for example, has been criticized for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally without performing. Similarly, singer Taylor Swift’s support for Harris led to backlash from Donald Trump, who infamously declared, “I hate Taylor Swift.” Other artists like Chappell Roan have faced backlash for offering support to Harris without fully endorsing her.
In addition to her interview, Abrams is featured in a new documentary titled Louder: The Soundtrack of Change, co-produced with singer Selena Gomez, which explores the role of female musicians in advancing equal rights. The documentary highlights the powerful history of music as a tool for activism, from Loretta Lynn’s “The Pill” promoting birth control to Rhiannon Giddens’ work highlighting the narratives of enslaved people.
Selena Gomez, reflecting on the impact of her platform, explained that her desire to get involved in social change was sparked when she realized the importance of role models in shaping young lives. “It was around election time, and I wanted to give my platform to others,” Gomez shared, mentioning her interview with Abrams in 2020.
In Louder, Abrams and Gomez also discuss how women have long been at the forefront of protests. “This is the first generation of women to lose civil rights since Reconstruction,” Abrams remarked. “We have this responsibility to anchor what this moment means. Women often bear the brunt of oppression, but we’re also the tip of the spear for progress.”
Kristi Jacobson, director of the documentary, noted that music holds a unique ability to create shared experiences, leaving lasting impressions that can drive change in ways people may not expect.
The documentary also showcases footage of musicians like the Chicks, Megan Thee Stallion, Phoebe Bridgers, and Billie Eilish, who have used their performances as platforms to make political statements. While some artists, like Azealia Banks, M.I.A., and Sexyy Red, have publicly supported Trump, their involvement in his campaign has been minimal.
Nina Simone, the iconic singer and civil rights activist, famously said that an artist’s duty is “to reflect the times,” a sentiment echoed in Louder. “At this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but be involved,” Simone stated in a powerful clip.
While the direct impact of celebrity political endorsements on voters remains uncertain, the continued conversations around pop stars’ political activism highlight the growing influence celebrities have on their audiences and on cultural movements.
Leave feedback about this