In a world where many rich people with big platforms stay silent about what’s happening in the world, there are some artists who have dedicated themselves to be vocal about certain issues.
Lately it has become very clear that we expect our favourite artists to take a stand. I’m referring to the Macklemore/Ed Sheeran discourse, where Ed Sheeran let big venue bosses dictate what (not) to say on their stages. Macklemore did the complete opposite: after being removed as the opener for Ed Sheeran’s tour for being vocal about what’s going on in Palestine, he went on to announce a tour of his own. It’s called the Free Palestine Tour; proceeds will go to organisations supporting the Palestinian people and movement.
This seems to be the first time in history where audiences really expect artists to speak up. Even Taylor Swift, for instance, who has not spoken up about Palestine, was criticized a lot for it online. The fact that not speaking up can cause cracks in the image of powerful artists like Ed and Taylor, means there’s really a shift happening. While I do think we should first and foremost openly criticize politicians rather than music artists, I also believe taking a stand for what’s right is necessary if you have a big platform. Although in some way I get that it’s difficult to just bring up world issues out of nowhere… But if you happen to find yourself in a place where you need to make a choice (like Ed Sheeran), you better make the right one then.
Of course, there are also celebrities who are doing the work, but less visible. Let’s take a look at some pop artists who clearly stand for something based on their actions.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is known to fight against racial inequality. Not only does she celebrate Black culture in her music (like in ‘Freedom’ and ‘Formation’) and visual work, she also makes financial contributions. For instance, she donated millions to various charities supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and bailed out protesters following police brutality. She also founded the Formation Scholars program – as a part of her BeyGood Foundation – to support and encourage young women who intend to study at one of the participating colleges. This as an example of her initiatives for women empowerment, which also is an important topic to her.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan founded The Midwest Princess Project, which exists to uplift trans youth and LGBTQIA+ communities. She also uses her music and persona (inspired by drag queens) to champion queer joy and visibility.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa started the Sunny Hill Foundation to support and encourage young people in Kosovo, for example through art programs. She’s also known to organise the Sunny Hill Festival in Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, where lots of big names in the music industry perform. That way, she makes the city more visible on an international scale. Next to that, she doesn’t hold back to speak up about current political events and humanitarian crises.
Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding is associated with many topics, but her fight against homelessness and for the environment stand out. From 2014 to 2018 she performed during the annual charity concerts for ‘Streets of London’, to raise funds to support people who are homeless in the city. When it comes to her support for nature and our climate, she worked with organisations like WWF and the United Nations. She even became a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UN. Next to that, she also advocates for gender equality, mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo is very vocal about her support for reproductive rights (among others), a cause she financially backs with her ‘Fund 4 Good’. During the Guts World Tour she made sure a portion of profits went to different initiatives that make a difference. In the United States she chose the National Network of Abortion Funds and also distributed condoms and Plan B pills during shows in states where abortion is illegal. In Canada the money went to women’s shelters and in Europa it went to the non-profit Women Against Violence Europe. This year, she organised the women-led festival Daisy Chain Fields, of which all proceeds went to organisations like Planned Parenthood.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin is known for his efforts for child-welfare and prevention of human trafficking. He became an UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and with his own Ricky Martin Foundation he funds different projects to give vulnerable children a safe place. He’s also very vocal about the importance of protecting Puerto Rican culture and donates especially to South American countries after, for example, natural disasters. Right now, he raises awareness about the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes is known for his advocacy around mental health awareness. This theme often comes back in his music, like in the songs ‘In My Blood’ and ‘Wonder’. He also supports young changemakers with his Shawn Mendes Foundation and lately he’s been giving a platform to Indigenous peoples of Canada. During his 2025 tour, for example, he invited Tia Wood – the first Indigenous woman to ever sign with Sony Music Canada – on stage to sing ‘Youth’ (a song about youth empowerment) with him.
Written by Nikita
Nikita – founder of Nikita’s World – is a Belgian author of feminist feelgood & a journalist specialized in pop culture and the creative industry.