Vice President Kamala Harris Energized by Young Pop Stars on TikTok
A recent Harris campaign video on the platform, featuring Chappell Roan’s hit “Femininomenon” from her 2023 album, contrasts Harris with former President Donald Trump and has already amassed over 35 million views.
The chorus of Roan’s song resonates throughout the video with rotating images of Harris and Trump, emphasizing the need for a ‘femininomenon.’
Pop Stars Propel Vice President Kamala Harris on TikTok
Chappell Roan’s track “Femininomenon,” blending ‘feminine’ and ‘phenomenon,’ has captivated the TikTok generation, potentially influencing many young voters.
Though Roan has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate, her music’s resonance with fans could benefit the Harris campaign. Roan’s representative declined to comment when approached by CNN.
At New York’s Governors Ball Music Festival last month, Roan, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, revealed she turned down a White House LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration invite — under President Joe Biden. Now, with Harris in contention, celebrities initially hesitant to back Biden are rallying around Harris. Young influencers, crucial to Harris’ campaign, may wield more sway than traditional A-listers like George Clooney or Barbra Streisand.
Democratic strategists note Harris’ potential to connect with Gen Z, underscoring her relatability to their parents’ generation. Harris has garnered early support from influential pop icons like Ariana Grande, with 378 million Instagram followers, and Demi Lovato, who boasts 155 million followers. Charli XCX, particularly, amplified Harris’ profile with her viral ‘Kamala IS brat’ endorsement, embraced by Harris’ team across social media platforms.
While Harris commands 1.1 million TikTok followers, Trump, entering TikTok in June, amassed 3 million followers on his first day, now totaling 9.1 million. Despite fewer followers, Harris boasts higher engagement, totaling 15.8 million likes compared to Trump’s 22.2 million.
Here’s a glimpse at three pop stars potentially igniting Gen Z’s political fervor:
Charli XCX
Charli XCX, already celebrated as the ‘it girl’ of the summer with her sixth studio album ‘brat,’ which sparked a new color trend and fashion wave.
The 31-year-old British singer’s aesthetic is described as embodying ‘a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter, and a strappy white top with no bra.’ In her own words on TikTok, she portrays the persona of someone who’s unapologetically herself, navigating life’s highs and lows with honesty and a touch of volatility.
By dubbing Harris as ‘brat,’ Charli XCX not only amplified the campaign’s visibility among Gen Z but also underscored its endorsement of individuality and authenticity.
Visitors to the official Kamala HQ on X are greeted with a background featuring the distinctive ‘brat’ green color and the vice president’s name in the album’s font, demonstrating a clear alignment with Charli XCX’s endorsement.
Indeed, Charli XCX is not alone among pop stars engaging in political endorsement.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo Boosts Kamala Harris with Social Media Endorsement
Grammy-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo, known for chart-topping hits like “Drivers License” and “Deja Vu,” showed support for Kamala Harris on social media this Wednesday. The 21-year-old shared a video on Instagram featuring Harris delivering her inaugural rally speech for the presidential campaign in West Allis, Wisconsin. Rodrigo added emojis of applause to highlight Harris’s commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights.
In the video, Harris pledges opposition to Donald Trump’s stringent abortion bans, advocating for women’s autonomy over their bodies. Rodrigo’s endorsement aligns with her ongoing ‘Fund 4 Good’ initiative, which promotes reproductive health freedom and equitable opportunities for women and girls globally.
Rodrigo has a history of engaging with political leaders on critical issues. In July 2021, she visited the White House during the pandemic, joining efforts with President Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci to encourage youth vaccination. Her influential platform continues to resonate with young voters, potentially playing a pivotal role in the upcoming election.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan: The Rising Star Influencing Harris’ Campaign
While the Harris campaign’s use of Roan’s music may introduce her to some voters, the 26-year-old artist is already a sensation among Gen Z.
Roan, who signed her first record deal as a teenager, has swiftly gained prominence this summer with her ’80s synth-pop sound and captivating vocals. Her debut studio album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” pays homage to her roots in Willard, Missouri, and currently holds the No. 5 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart. She boasts three songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including hits like “Red Wine Supernova,” “Hot To Go!,” and her latest single, “Good Luck Babe!”
Identifying as queer, Roan draws inspiration from drag queens and has earned comparisons to Madonna for her bold, sex-positive lyrics. Reflecting on her upbringing in a conservative Christian environment, she explains her music’s explicit nature as a deliberate expression of personal freedom.
Roan’s decision to decline performing at the White House’s Pride event underscores her advocacy for liberty and justice for all. As her influence continues to grow, her support for Harris could prove influential in the upcoming election.