At Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday night, Billie Eilish admitted that she “couldn’t really fathom” the idea of getting on stage to perform that night. The musician had been feeling the heavy weight of Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election. Earlier in the day, she took to social media to declare that it represents a “war on women.” But Eilish recognized that her concert could serve as a moment of respite for the young girls and women in the audience who share the same fears and concerns that she does.
As the day progressed, Eilish expressed to the crowd, “It’s such a privilege that I get to do this with you guys and that we have this in a time like right now,” before performing “T.V.,” a record she released following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. “I want you to know that you’re safe with me, protected here, and safe in this room.” The song we’re about to perform is about the abuse that women face in this world, drawing from my own experiences and those of others I know. In all honesty, I have never encountered a single woman without a story of abuse. Not one.”
She added, “I’ve dealt with some stuff myself, and I’ve been taken advantage of. To put it politely, someone crossed my boundaries, and now—god, my heart is racing—someone with a deep-seated hatred for women is on the verge of becoming the president of the United States. Therefore, this song is dedicated to all women worldwide. I love you; I support you.”
On the other side of the country, performing at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Sabrina Carpenter shared similar sentiments with her audience on Wednesday night. “I hope we can be a moment of peace for you, a moment of safety,” she said. “I apologize for the situation in our country and for the women present here.” I love you madly, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the night because you deserve it.”
Earlier this week, the nonprofit organization HeadCount reported that more than 35,000 people registered to vote through activations and outreach sponsored by Carpenter on her Short n’ Sweet tour. Through the same activations, more than 263,000 voters checked their registration status, confirmed their polling location, and engaged in various other activities. Carpenter racked up the most voter engagements through HeadCount of any artist this year.
In 2022, Eilish partnered with HeadCount to encourage fans to vote in the midterm elections. “With what is going on in our country, we need to get out to the polls and vote for what we believe in,” she said at the time. “Not showing up is not an option.”
These powerful moments from Eilish and Carpenter demonstrate the vital role that artists can play in providing comfort and support to their audiences, especially in the wake of deeply troubling political events. By acknowledging the fears and concerns of women, validating their experiences, and creating a safe space for them, these musicians are using their platforms to make a meaningful difference.
In a time of uncertainty and unease, the compassion and empathy shown by Eilish and Carpenter is a poignant reminder that music has the power to heal, unite, and empower those who need it most. As we navigate the aftermath of this election, the strength and resilience of these artists offer a glimmer of hope and inspiration to women everywhere.