Malfunction During Live Performance
Ellie Goulding demonstrated her resilience during a live performance at the Victorious Festival 2023 in Portsmouth, England, on Sunday, August 27. While performing her hit song “Miracle,” a pyro effect unexpectedly malfunctioned and went off directly in her face. Despite the shocking moment, Goulding quickly regained her composure, screaming “F–k!” before continuing to sing as if nothing had happened. Her ability to power through the situation impressed fans, showcasing her commitment to the show.
Goulding’s Message of Perseverance
Goulding seemed to take her own advice when she shared an Instagram post the previous day, advising her followers to “keep going” no matter what challenges they face. “I’m right there with you,” she wrote, encouraging others to persist through tough times. This positive message resonated with her fans, reflecting her personal philosophy of resilience, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
Personal Struggles with Mental Health
The 36-year-old singer has been open about her mental health struggles, particularly dealing with anxiety. In an interview on “Q With Tom Power” earlier this year, Goulding revealed that anxiety had taken a significant toll on her life, affecting both her career and her role as a mother. “Anxiety took over my life completely — it was debilitating,” she shared, explaining how it impacted various aspects of her job and personal life. Goulding, who is married to Caspar Jopling and shares a 2-year-old son, Arthur, has spoken about the difficulties of managing her mental health while navigating motherhood.
Coping with Mental Health and Motherhood
Goulding further explained how her son Arthur’s birth made her mental health challenges more complex. Although she hasn’t been diagnosed with postpartum depression, she acknowledged that the experience of motherhood amplified her struggles with anxiety. “I think it will always be there,” she said, reflecting on her ongoing journey with mental health. Despite undergoing therapy and utilizing various coping mechanisms, such as exercise and lavender supplements, Goulding noted that anxiety is a constant companion in her life, one she continues to navigate.
A Shift in Musical Direction
In response to her mental health, Goulding made a conscious decision to shift the tone of her music. Rather than making another introspective and emotional album, her latest release, Higher Than Heaven, is a dance album. She explained to Vogue that while some of her earlier work, like the ballad “Explosions,” was deeply personal and emotional, she needed a change. “To be honest, there was definitely an element of escapism,” she admitted, revealing that she wasn’t in the mood to write more ballads. This new direction allowed her to express herself in a more upbeat and celebratory way, helping her move forward in her musical journey.
The Toll of Emotional Performances
Despite her new album’s more upbeat nature, Goulding reflected on the emotional weight of her older songs, particularly the ones that are too personal to sing night after night. “My nana was playing a couple of my old songs to my son Arthur last night, and there’s a ballad called ‘Explosions’ I wrote about my dad, and God, it’s just so sad that I sang that night after night after night,” she shared. For Goulding, singing such deeply emotional songs repeatedly took an emotional toll, contributing to her need for therapy and a fresh perspective on her music.
Moving Forward
Ellie Goulding’s ability to continue performing through a surprising and potentially dangerous situation at the Victorious Festival serves as a testament to her determination and love for her craft. Her journey with mental health, motherhood, and music is one of constant adaptation and growth. As she moves forward, Goulding continues to inspire her fans with both her perseverance on stage and her openness about her struggles off-stage.