Malfunction During Live Performance
Ellie Goulding showed incredible resilience during a live performance at the Victorious Festival 2023 in Portsmouth, England, on Sunday, August 27. While singing her hit song “Miracle,” a pyro effect malfunctioned and exploded directly in her face. Despite the shocking and dangerous moment, Goulding quickly regained her composure, shouting “F–k!” before continuing her performance as if nothing had happened. Her ability to power through the situation impressed the crowd, demonstrating her commitment to delivering a memorable show for her fans.
Goulding’s Message of Perseverance
It was clear that Goulding had taken her own advice when, just the day before the incident, she shared an Instagram post encouraging her followers to “keep going” no matter what challenges they face. “I’m right there with you,” she wrote, reminding her audience to persist through difficult times. This message of resilience resonated deeply with her fans and reflected her personal philosophy, especially in moments of unexpected disruption.
Personal Struggles with Mental Health
Beyond her on-stage determination, the 36-year-old singer has been candid about her struggles with mental health, particularly dealing with anxiety. In an interview on Q With Tom Power earlier this year, Goulding opened up about how anxiety had significantly affected her life, both in her career and as a mother. “Anxiety took over my life completely — it was debilitating,” she revealed, sharing how it impacted many aspects of her personal and professional world. Goulding, who is married to Caspar Jopling and is the mother of 2-year-old son Arthur, has spoken openly about the difficulties of managing her mental health while navigating the demands of motherhood.
Coping with Mental Health and Motherhood
Goulding has described how the birth of her son Arthur added complexity to her mental health struggles. While she hasn’t been diagnosed with postpartum depression, she acknowledged that becoming a mother amplified her anxiety challenges. “I think it will always be there,” she said, reflecting on the ongoing nature of her mental health journey. Despite undergoing therapy and using various coping mechanisms, such as exercise and lavender supplements, Goulding recognizes that anxiety is a constant presence in her life, one she continues to navigate daily.
A Shift in Musical Direction
In response to her mental health struggles, Goulding made a conscious decision to shift the tone of her music. Rather than continuing to create emotionally charged ballads, she chose to release her latest album, Higher Than Heaven, which is a dance album. She explained to Vogue that while some of her past work, like the ballad “Explosions,” was deeply personal, she needed a change. “To be honest, there was definitely an element of escapism,” she admitted. She revealed that she wasn’t in the mood to write more introspective songs and that the upbeat and celebratory tone of her new album helped her move forward in her musical journey.
The Toll of Emotional Performances
Although her new album takes a more joyful approach, Goulding reflected on the emotional toll that singing deeply personal songs, especially from her earlier albums, took on her. She shared a story about her son Arthur’s nana playing her old songs for him, including “Explosions,” a ballad she wrote about her father. “It’s just so sad that I sang that night after night after night,” she confessed. The emotional weight of performing such deeply personal songs repeatedly became overwhelming, contributing to her need for therapy and her desire to change her approach to music.
Moving Forward
Ellie Goulding’s perseverance through the pyro mishap at Victorious Festival stands as a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her openness about her journey with mental health, motherhood, and her evolving musical style continues to inspire her fans. As she moves forward, Goulding remains a symbol of resilience, both on stage and off, showing her audience that it’s possible to adapt, grow, and push through adversity, no matter what life throws her way.
