Ellie Goulding has candidly shared her harrowing experience of performing at Coachella while grappling with food poisoning, offering a raw glimpse into the pressures of the music industry. In a recent interview with Nylon, the acclaimed singer recounted the discomfort she faced, illustrating the lengths artists go to uphold their commitments, even when their health is on the line.
A Festival to Remember
Reflecting on her Coachella ordeal, Goulding recounted, “I had food poisoning. I was sh***ing my pants, and I still went.” The singer, known for hits like “Lights,” described the challenging situation she found herself in while donning a pair of leather shorts with zippers in all the wrong places. This incident occurred after a tour in South America alongside fellow artist Lorde, during which she fell ill.
Goulding expressed a sense of determination that compelled her to push through despite her physical state. “I remember having dinner with Ella,” she shared, recalling the moment when her meal took a turn for the worse. “It all went wrong.” Her recent comments reflect a broader acknowledgment of the intense pressures many artists face while navigating their careers.
The Journey to Stardom
In her conversation, Goulding also explored the evolution of her life from humble beginnings to international stardom. She reminisced about a time when music was merely a pastime and her decision to leave college to pursue it full-time. Since then, she has released multiple albums and toured with superstars like Bruno Mars and Katy Perry, experiences that she admits were overwhelming.
“It was impossible to process what was happening,” she reflected. “I went from never taking a flight, never being photographed, to singing at the royal wedding.” The swift change in her circumstances took a toll, as she struggled to manage the sudden spotlight and the demands that accompanied it. “I don’t think I was equipped to deal with that amount of scrutiny, attention, and workload. I never stopped.”
The Cost of Fame
Goulding’s health suffered under the weight of her newfound fame. “My body physically couldn’t function well, and my throat was dead,” she explained, revealing how recurring tonsillitis and other ailments plagued her during this tumultuous period. She noted the absence of support systems for artists like herself at the time, which often resulted in difficult decisions, such as cancelling performances.
The pressure to perform even when unwell led to confrontations with industry insiders. “There were a couple of big things, like an awards performance, where I had to say no because I physically couldn’t do it,” she said. “I remember them being like, ‘You’ll never be able to perform [at the show] again.’” Her response to such threats speaks volumes about the relentless expectations placed on artists: “Well, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to have to die?”
A Shift Towards Health
Today, Goulding appreciates that there are more resources available for artists to ensure their well-being. She emphasised the need for a supportive environment within the industry, stating, “I do feel now there is more in place to ensure that we’re OK.” This recognition marks a positive shift towards prioritising mental and physical health in a notoriously demanding field.
Why it Matters
Goulding’s revelations highlight the often unseen struggles faced by artists in the music industry. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and well-being, prompting a necessary conversation about the pressures and expectations that accompany fame. As the industry evolves, it is crucial that artists are supported in their journeys, ensuring their health does not take a backseat to success.
