Katy Perry, Anuel AA, Alicia Keys… why is music so present in the United States presidential elections?

Music news

This November 5th the presidential elections of United States, where Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are candidates to take the White House. Once again, as in every electoral cycle, American politics becomes a highly media spectacle worldwide, and music plays an increasingly leading role. From concert rallies to public statements of supportartists have become key figures in the electoral scene, offering candidates something that speeches and promises, perhaps, cannot achieve on their own.

Music has the power to mobilize the masses, and at a time of increasing political polarization, this ability that songs and singers possess becomes especially relevant. Artists, in their role as public figures, connect emotionally with their audiences in a way that politicians might even envy, since people like Katy Perry either Lady Gaga can attract the vote of certain sectors that Kamala Harris would not get on her own, and in the same way, Anuel AA either Kanye West They fulfill that function for Donald Trump's side.

By appearing at rallies to give speeches, perform a couple of songs or express their support on social networks and incite voting, musicians make their fans see the candidates with different eyes, and often generate a sense of responsibility and belonging. towards the message they support. This phenomenon, in the United States, is becoming more and more noticeable. A large number of artists do not hide what their voting intention is, unlike countries like ours.

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A price to pay

And the relationship between music and politics is complicated, as many artists have faced great criticism when getting involved in electoral campaigns, since their positions can alienate some sectors of their audience. Without a doubt, it is a price that must be paid for use your platform for changewhether for the Republican or Democratic sides.

Although there are many celebrities in America who decide to speak out about politics, there are also those who prefer to remain neutral and not say publicly which candidate they support, although this also involves a price to pay. There are many followers who hope that their idols will take advantage of their loudspeaker to talk about these types of topics.

The important figure of singers in United States politics

Images like the ones that this last campaign has left us, in which renowned artists such as Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Luis Fonsi, 50 Cent or Billy Ray Cyrus, among many others, have performed at rallies or have been pronounced about their intention to vote through the Internet, are those that proclaim music and singers as fundamental pieces of the United States presidential elections, ones that can no longer be imagined without the appearances of celebrities that influence the decisions or the number of voters.

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Written by

Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.