Popular music’s function as an effective vehicle for sociopolitical commentary is not a new one; nor is it unusual for artists to utilize their platform in order to provide guidance in navigating what are often divisive and confusing cultural waters. With 2020’s upcoming elections, this year is no exception. In fact, it is difficult to remember a time in which the polarity of public opinion and the sheer volume of political messaging reached its current heights.
Last week at the Billboard Music Awards, another star, Demi Lovato, added her own voice to the ever growing lineage of performers turned pundits with the debut of her new song “Commander in Chief.” Seated at a black piano with just the word “VOTE” appearing on the screen in the background, Lovato made her personal positions known with an unquestionably heartfelt rendition of the topical ballad. The song was co-created by wunderkind producer Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, with the primary intention of encouraging Americans to vote.
Just after the live debut, Lovato dropped a music video for the song, which features a diverse collection of people singing her lyrics, including: a turbaned man, a young Black child, a man in a MAGA hat, a woman using sign language, and a woman in a wheelchair. The ultimate effect of the video seems best conveyed by what Lovato wrote on her Instagram prior to the awards ceremony: “We are headed into the most important election of our lives. This song isn’t about division… So please, debate and talk about voting. That’s what this is all about.”
Certainly, her personal stance seems undeniably critical of the current administration. However, to me what makes her display especially powerful is the larger message that we as Americans, regardless of our backgrounds or convictions, have voices and a responsibility to use them by participating in our Democratic process.
As Lovato wrote further, “I literally don’t care if this ruins my career. This isn’t about that. My career isn’t about that. I made a piece of art that stands for something I believe in. And I’m putting it out even at the risk of losing fans. I’ll take integrity in my work over sales any day.” This alone is enough for me to admire Lovato’s courage and that of many others using their voice. Also, it reminds me to be grateful to live somewhere in which people are free to agree and to disagree in the never ending journey towards discovering what it means to be both American and human.
