Goulding took a hiatus from 2016 to 2020, struggling with ananxiety disorder and media scrutiny over false claims about her personal life.[3][4] Her fourth studio albumBrightest Blue (2020) became her third album to top the UK Albums Chart, and her fourth consecutive album certified by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It spawned several singles, including the hits "Close to Me", "Hate Me" and "Sixteen".[5] She reunited with Harris on the single "Miracle", which spent eight non-consecutive weeks at No.1 on theUK Singles Chart in 2023.[6] Goulding's fifth studio albumHigher Than Heaven (2023) debuted at No. 1 in the UK, her fourth chart-topping album, making her the British female with the most number-one albums in UK history, tying withAdele.[7][8]
Elena Jane Goulding was born on 30 December 1986[15] inHereford,Herefordshire, England, to Arthur and Tracey Goulding, and was brought up in the small village ofLyonshall, in Herefordshire. She has a brother, Alex, and two sisters, Isabel and Jordan. When she was five years old, her parents separated.[16] Afterwards, she had little contact with her father, a funeral director.[17] Goulding and her siblings were raised by their mother on acouncil estate,[18] with Goulding describing the family as "super poor".[19] Goulding has stated that she has a "difficult" relationship with her mother.[17]
Goulding began playing theclarinet at age nine and learning guitar at age 14. She attendedLady Hawkins' High School inKington, Herefordshire and, by the age of 15, started writing songs. She tookA levels in English, politics, drama and music, and passed three with "A" grades but failed music.[20][21] She enrolled on a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at theUniversity of Kent, but did not complete her studies, quitting in her final year.[22] After meeting Jamie Lillywhite, he became her manager and introduced her to the producerStarsmith, who would become her chief collaborator and the primary producer ofLights.[23]
Career
2009–2011:Lights andBright Lights
Goulding performing at Nokia World in September 2010
Before the release of her debut album, Goulding won theBBC Sound of 2010 poll, which showcases the music industry's top choices for rising stars.[31] She also won the Critics' Choice Award at the2010 Brit Awards, making her the second artist to win both in the same year.[32] Goulding co-wrote "Love Me 'Cause You Want To" forGabriella Cilmi's second album,Ten, and three songs ("Remake Me + You", "Notice", "Jumping into Rivers") forDiana Vickers's debut album,Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.[33] Her song "Not Following" was used by German singerLena on her debut albumMy Cassette Player.[34] Goulding was featured on rapperTinie Tempah's single "Wonderman" from his debut studio albumDisc-Overy (2010).
Goulding's debut albumLights was released in March 2010, reachingNo. 1 on theUK Albums Chart andNo. 6 on theIrish Albums Chart.[35][36][37] Its singles "Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses", and "The Writer" peaked atNos. 4, 26, and 19.[29] As of June 2012, the album had sold over 850,000 copies in the UK and 1.6 million copies worldwide.[38] In August 2010, she released a second EP,Run into the Light, containing remixes of songs fromLights. The album was supported byNike and was released through Polydor as a running soundtrack in an effort to get her music taken up by the running subculture.[39] In November 2010,Lights was re-released asBright Lights, with six new tracks added. It was originally announced that the lead single fromBright Lights would be the new edit of thetitle track with a release scheduled for 1 November 2010.[40] This plan was ultimately scrapped to allow her cover ofElton John's "Your Song" to be released in conjunction with theJohn Lewis Christmas advert in the UK in 2010. The single became her second highest-charting single to date, reachingNo. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[29] It also charted in some European countries.[41] In January 2011, it was announced that the title track fromLights would serve as the second single fromBright Lights.[42] "Lights" reachedNo. 49 on the UK Singles Chart,[29] while becoming Goulding's first song to chart in the United States, as well as her highest-charting song to date, peaking atNo. 2 on theBillboard Hot 100 in August 2012.[43]
Goulding performing live at The Venue in Vancouver, April 2011
Goulding toured in support ofLights and supportedPassion Pit in March 2010 andJohn Mayer[44] during his British tour in May 2010.[45] During the summer she performed at a number of festivals. On 29 May she performed at theDot to Dot Festival in Bristol.[46] She performed a set on 25 June at theGlastonbury Festival 2010 on the John Peel Stage.[47] Her third EP was a live recording of part of her set at theiTunes Festival 2010.[48] The whole set was ultimately included as bonus content on the iTunes version ofBright Lights.[49] She made herT in the Park debut on 11 July.[50] In early 2011, she recorded an original song for the filmLife in a Day. Ellie Goulding wasNo. 5 onRolling Stone's annual hot list in February 2011.[51] In February 2011, she returned to theBrit Awards where she was nominated for Best British Female and Best British Breakthrough Act but lost out toLaura Marling and toTinie Tempah.[52]
Goulding collaborated with American electronic artist and producerSkrillex on a song titled "Summit", included on his 2011 EPBangarang. She travelled with Skrillex on his South American tour[58]She headlined the 2011Wakestock Festival in Wales, performing on 8 July.[59] In August, she performed at theV Festival for her second year in a row.[60] Following the re-release ofLights and the American release of the album, Goulding said she would soon begin work on a second studio album with an expected release of September 2011.[61] On 6 August 2011, she performed atLollapalooza in Chicago.[62] She performed at the annualNobel Peace Prize Concert on 11 December 2011 inOslo, Norway. On 1 December 2011, she performed at theWhite House during theNational Christmas Tree lighting, alongsideBig Time Rush andwill.i.am.[63] On 19 September 2011, it was announced that she would open forKaty Perry'sCalifornia Dreams Tour, replacingJessie J who withdrew due to a foot injury.[64][65]
In 2012, Goulding appeared on "Fall into the Sky" fromZedd's debut albumClarity and onCalvin Harris's song "I Need Your Love" which is included onHalcyon and also Harris's album18 Months. On 10 July 2012, Goulding released a cover ofActive Child's song "Hanging On", featuring Tinie Tempah, as a free download on herSoundCloud page.[66] In late July 2012, it was announced that Goulding's second album is titledHalcyon and it would be released on 8 October 2012. The album was preceded by the lead single "Anything Could Happen" on 21 August.[67] The lyric video for "Anything Could Happen" premiered on 9 August 2012, consisting of a series of fan-submittedInstagram pictures.[68]On 19 November 2012, the music video for Goulding's second single fromHalcyon, titled "Figure 8" was released. The single was released digitally in the UK on 12 December 2012. The song charted before it was released, and made its way into the top 40 in the UK, peaking atNo. 33.
Goulding contributed a track titled "Bittersweet" (produced bySkrillex) to the soundtrack ofThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, released on 13 November 2012.[69] It was announced on 12 February 2013, that in May 2013, she would be supportingBruno Mars on his Moonshine Jungle World Tour on selected dates.[70] On 20 May 2013, Goulding announced she would embark on a seven-date tour in the UK during October that year.[71] On 28 May 2013, Goulding's cover ofAlt-J's song "Tessellate" was released via her SoundCloud page.[72] Goulding has also been reported to have filmed a music video for this track in Paris earlier that month. She claimed to be "making a video for a song that isn't on my record".[73]In June 2013, Goulding performed at previous festivals and concerts includingRockNess festival inInverness,Capital FM Summertime Ball andFirefly Music Festival at The Woodlands inDover, Delaware. On 2 July 2013, Goulding premiered a song titled "You My Everything" in the first episode ofSkins Fire[74] and that same day Goulding confirmed toElle magazine thatHalcyon would be re-released later that year.[75]
On 5 July 2013, Digital Spy confirmed the release ofHalcyon Days, a repackaged edition ofHalcyon, which was released on 23 August 2013.[76] The re-release, featuring ten additional tracks, was preceded by the single "Burn", which had been uploaded to Goulding'sSoundCloud page the previous day.[77][78] On 7 July 2013, the official music video for "Burn" premiered on Goulding's Vevo channel onYouTube. "Burn" became Goulding's first single to top the UK's Official Singles Chart.[79]Goulding was performing at V Festival Chelmsford when news of her first UKNo. 1 broke;Rita Ora surprised Goulding with her Official Number 1 Award.[80] On 9 September 2013, Goulding released a music video for "How Long Will I Love You" for the filmAbout Time.[81] Goulding appeared on the soundtrack for the filmThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire with the track "Mirror".
On 15 October 2013, Goulding confirmed onFearne Cotton's radio show that "How Long Will I Love You" would be the next single for BBC's Children in Need.[82] On the same day, theActive Child song "Silhouette", on which Goulding features, was also released.[83] On 28 October 2013, Goulding posted an alternative video of "How Long Will I Love You" on her Vevo channel for the short filmTom & Issy, in which she also stars.[84] On the final episode ofThe X Factor on 14 December, Goulding performed a duet with finalistLuke Friend.[85]
Goulding performing at theIlosaarirock festival in July 2014
On 5 January 2014, Goulding premiered the music video for her song "Goodness Gracious" on her Vevo channel, later confirming that it would be her sixth single released fromHalcyon Days.[86] On 22 January 2014, Goulding confirmed through her Facebook page that she had contributed the song "Beating Heart" to the soundtrack for the filmDivergent, based on thenovel of the same name byVeronica Roth.[87]On 3 February 2014, Goulding released a cover of the James Blake song "Life Round Here" featuring rapperAngel Haze through her SoundCloud page.[88] On 19 February, Goulding won Best British Female Solo Artist at the2014 Brit Awards.[89]On 20 October 2014, she stated viaFacebook that she will appear on the newCalvin Harris album,Motion, with a new song called "Outside". The song was released as the album's fourth single on 20 October 2014.[90] Goulding also featured inIggy Azalea's song "Heavy Crown", which was released on 21 November 2014 on Azalea'sReclassified, a reissue of her debut albumThe New Classic.[91]
2015–2016:Delirium and subsequent hiatus
In November 2014, Goulding announced that she was focusing on a third studio album. In early 2015, Goulding released the song "Love Me Like You Do", which was featured in the soundtrack to the filmFifty Shades of Grey, adapted from theerotic novel of the same name. The video was released toYouTube on 22 January, to precede an official release date of 15 February.[92] The single has been a commercial success, spending four weeks atNo. 1 on theUK Singles Chart, topping the charts in many other nations including Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, and reachingNo. 3 on the USBillboard Hot 100. The single held the record for the most-streamed track in a single week in the United Kingdom (streamed 2.58 million times), and worldwide (streamed 15.5 million times).[93] On 7 December 2015, "Love Me like You Do" earned Goulding aGrammy Award nomination forBest Pop Solo Performance.[2] In the nominations for the2016 Brit Awards announced on 14 January 2016, the song was among the nominees for British Single of the Year, and Best British Video.[94] Goulding starred in the music video forTaylor Swift's song "Bad Blood", which was released in May 2015.[95]
Goulding appeared on theMajor Lazer albumPeace Is the Mission on the track "Powerful", alongsideTarrus Riley. The track was released together with the album on 1 June 2015. A preview of the single was revealed on 23 April 2015.[96] Having finished recording new material on 27 July 2015, Goulding tweeted a link to an Instagram post of her leavingAbbey Road Studios captioned, "That's a wrap!".[97] On 5 August 2015 at theiHeartRadio Music Summit, Interscope unveiled the title of Goulding's new single, "On My Mind".[98] A preview of the new track was released online via Goulding's Facebook page on 15 September 2015, with a confirmed single release date of 17 September 2015. The following day, another video teaser was uploaded revealing the title and cover art for Goulding's third studio album,Delirium.
On 7 September 2015, it was announced that Goulding would be performing at the2015 AFL Grand Final, along with Canadian musicianBryan Adams and American musicianChris Isaak.[99] On 17 September, Goulding debuted her single, "On My Mind", the lead track fromDelirium, on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show. She also announced thatDelirium would be released on 6 November. Goulding subsequently performed "On My Mind" at theApple Music Festival later that week.[100][101]
Goulding also appeared on the AustralianX Factor on 6 October where she performed "On My Mind".[102] On 15 October 2015, it was announced that "Army" would serve as the second official single from the album; the song's music video was later released on 14 January 2016.[103] Third single, "Something in the Way You Move" was first released as a promotional single from the album on 9 October 2015.[104] It was then released on 19 January 2016, its original music video was released on 23 February 2016[105] and other music video directed byEmil Nava was released on 21 June 2017.[106]
On 19 August 2016 she released the song "Still Falling for You" for thesoundtrack to the filmBridget Jones's Baby, and its music video premiered on 25 August 2016.[107][108] It received moderate commercial success worldwide managing to reach number 11 in the UK.[29] After taking some months off, in 2017, she performed at the opening of 16th edition ofMawazine Festival, held in Rabat from 12 to 20 May.[109][110]
During that period of time, Goulding announced that she was taking some time out the spotlight due to illness, which lasted five years, meanwhile most of her releases were singles in forms of collaborations with other artists or for movie soundtracks.[111][112]
Her first stand-alone release was a collaboration withKygo, which she previously premiered at the opening of the Mawazine Festival. The single titled, "First Time", was released on 28 April 2017.[113]
In 2018, Goulding joined Tap Management after almost a decade with First Access Management.[114] She appeared on a collaboration withSean Paul on hisMad Love the Prequel EP titled "Bad Love", released on 29 June 2018.[115]
Goulding collaborated withDiplo andSwae Lee on the single "Close to Me", which was released on 24 October 2018.[116] On 1 January 2019,The Guardian reported that she has been working on her fourth album, set to release in the same year.[117] On 1 March, she released the next single "Flux".[118] She said regarding the album, "It's very much written by me".[119]
On 12 April 2019, Goulding released the single "Sixteen".[120] Goulding said of the single, "...That age was such a pivotal year for me in many ways and this song is so close to my heart. It takes me back to the reckless days of being a teenager and I hope it reminds us all about the innocence of youth."[121]
Goulding released "Hate Me" with American rapperJuice Wrld on 26 June 2019.[122] It was premiered byZane Lowe as his 'World Record' onBeats 1.[123] In July, Goulding started teasing her return and stated that her next material to be released would be the songs "Woman I Am" and "Start".[124] In November, she releasedher rendition ofJoni Mitchell's Christmas song "River", which topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming her third UK number one single and the last UK number one song of the 2010s.[125]
2020–2021: Return andBrightest Blue
On 2020, Goulding came back out of her hiatus and started teasing her next release. On 13 March 2020, Goulding released the single "Worry About Me" which was created in-collaboration withBlackbear.[126] In a radio interview withHeart the same month, she revealed that the album "kind of comes in two parts", adding that "the first side is something written entirely by me which was fun and I wrote most of it in New York when I was living there a few years back. I play the guitar and I play the bass and piano and then I'm singing a lot of vocals. It's very classically influenced because I love classical music. There's a lot going on, it's a big soundscape and one big film. The second half is my kind of alter ego songs."[127] On 21 May she released single "Power" and on 30 June single "Slow Grenade" withLauv.
Goulding released her fourth studio album,Brightest Blue, on 17 July 2020. Originally scheduled for 5 June 2020, the album's release was delayed due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. The album debuted at the top of theUK Album Chart, becoming Goulding's third album to do so,[128] as well as at No. 2 inScotland.[129] It reached the top 10 inIreland[130] as well as the top 40 in over ten countries includingAustralia,Germany and theUnited States.
Goulding announced on an Instagram Q&A that she would be releasing new music which was not part of theBrightest Blue era at the end of January 2021.[131] On 21 January, she released a collaboration with electronic duoSilk City, titled "New Love".[132] On 30 September, Goulding performed "Anything Could Happen" as part of the opening ceremony forExpo 2020, held inDubai.[133]
2022–2023:Higher Than Heaven and "Miracle"
Goulding performing at Superbloom Festival 2023
On 19 June 2022, Goulding performed atRock in Rio inLisbon, Portugal. After the concert, she announced that she would be releasing new music in July. The following day, she blacked out all her social media profiles.[134] Back in July 2021, during an interview withJoe Wicks, she described the forthcoming album as "a dance record. It's electronic pop, a dance thing from outer space".[135] On 4 July 2022, she announced the release of "Easy Lover" featuringBig Sean, which was released on 15 July.[136] The single did not enter the UK Singles Top 100, but peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart Top 100.[137] It was followed by "All by Myself", a collaboration between Goulding and producersAlok andSigala, on 7 October.[138] Goulding released the single "Let It Die" along with its video on 19 October and announced the same day that her fifth studio album,Higher Than Heaven, would be released on 3 February 2023.[139][140] It was delayed multiple times and released on 7 April 2023.[141]
On 10 March Goulding released her third collaboration with Harris, "Miracle" which was met with both commercial and critical success, it marked Goulding's comeback to the singles chart, especially in the United Kingdom, where it debuted at number three, and eventually went to top the UK Singles Chart, becoming Goulding fourth chart-topper.[142] In its second week at number one, Goulding's albumHigher Than Heaven also topped the UK Albums Chart, marking the first time Gouldingsimultaneously had a number-one single and album in her career.[143] The album became Goulding's fourth chart-topper effort, tying her with Adele as the British female acts with most number one albums in history.[144] Meanwhile, "Miracle" stayed atop the chart for eight non-consecutive weeks, becoming Goulding's longest-running number-one to date.[145] With "Miracle", Goulding earned her secondGrammy nomination forBest Pop Dance Recording, and aBrit Award nomination forSong of the Year.[146][147] As of 26 July 2024 the single is certified two-time platinum by theBPI.[148]
On 14 September, Goulding released the single "Somebody", in collaboration with TSHA andGregory Porter.[152][153] On 13 October, Goulding joined Japanese musicianYoshiki on stage at Royal Albert Hall to perform a classical version of "Love Me Like You Do".[154]
2024–present: Collaborations and upcoming music
On 18 April 2024, Goulding surprise released a remixed version of her song "Brightest Blue" in collaboration withNature, with the purpose of using the royalties of the song to help environmental causes.[155] On 28 Apri, during a one-night-only concert at the Royal Albert Hall, Goulding performed a new song titled, "Easy To Love Me", and hinted that it would be part of her upcoming sixth studio album as she stated that she was working on new music.[156] On 30 April Goulding shared that she was working with producer Jack Rochon for her sixth studio album via her Instagram stories.[157]
After the immense success of their third collaboration, Goulding and Harris hinted the possibility of working together again. On 9 July Harris teased his new collaboration with Goulding in Ibiza.[158] On 19 July the date of release, the title and artwork of the single were announced by Harris.[159] On 25 July the duo performed the single for the first time live in Ibiza.[160] On 26 July the music duo released their fourth collaboration "Free".[161][162] Goulding provided the lead vocals forStarsmith's comeback single, "Leave Me Slowly", which was released on 16 August.[163][164][165]
On 8 May 2024,Four Tet teased a new single with Goulding on his social media, titled "In My Dreams".[166] It marks their fifth collaboration and first since theGrammy-nominated remix of "Easy Lover".[167] The single was released on 9 September 2024.[168][169] On 7 October DJHugel teased an upcoming remix of his hit single "I Adore You" with Goulding andJ Balvin.[170] Goulding and Balvin's remix of the song was officially released on 15 November.[171] On 2 December, during a press conference, before her performance at the sold-outTop of the Mountain opening concert inIschgl, Austria, Goulding was interviewed byThe Sun, and she revealed that her sixth studio album would be "very personal", and stated that she has a classical album set to be released.[172][173] On 29 December Goulding joined DJ and producerAnyma as a surprise guest to perform on hisSphere residency inLas Vegas to debut an unreleased song, titled "Hypnotized".[174][175] The song was released on 10 January 2025 to widespread critical acclaim, with Goulding's vocal performance achieving unanimous praise bymusic critics.[176][177]
On 29 April it was announced that Goulding would serve as the narrator, and music composer, alongside Jim Fairfield, of environmental documentaryBee Wild, directed by Rebecca andJosh Tickell.[178] The documentary premiered on 5 June at theSXSW London film festival.[178][179] On 6 June Goulding collaborated with DJsMarshmello and AVAION on theHouse single "Save My Love" which was met with favourable reviews.[180][181] On 10 June it was announced that Goulding will contribute with the closing theme song for thedark fantasyanime seriesClevatess, with the original song "Destiny".[182][183] The track was later released as a single on 12 November.[184]
Artistry
Goulding has listed musicians such asJoni Mitchell (left) andBjörk (right) as her influences.
In a review forHalcyon, Neil McCormick ofThe Daily Telegraph described her voice as "something special", continuing; "Her tremulous vibrato and slightly hoarsetimbre have the feel of something primal and folky, her birdlike high notes conveying a childlike wonder while darker tones imply ancient depths of sorrow. She sings like she is strung out on the melody, warbling from a place of desperate emotion. It really is that rarest and perhaps most accidental of gifts: an original voice". He then continued in regards to her vocal layering stating, "producer Jim Eliot puts her voice front, back and centre, banking up choral walls of vibrato, fashioning hooks from cut up samples of chirrups and chants, and creating unusual textures from trills and warbles".[197] During an interview withCarson Daly, Goulding described her own voice saying;
I think sometimes it sounds like my voice is like, out of control... I have to really control it because it just kind of goes everywhere. Like, sometimes stuff comes out that I don't expect. A lot, actually [...]. It's so funny because my favourite thing to do is imitate opera singers, but I've never had a singing lesson. Oh, I had a lesson just to teach me how to breathe better, but I never really had a singing lesson.[198]
Will Hermes ofRolling Stone compared her voice to that ofDolly Parton, stating that her upper register was dazzling whilst also complementing her skill in vocal multi-layering.[199] Megan Farokhmanesh ofPaste magazine stated "Goulding has a lovely voice, but occasionally her soprano-strung vocals hit a note that rubs the eardrums the wrong way" although she praised Goulding overall for her "talent for gorgeous high heart-tugging vocals".[193]
During the 2020s, critics became more appreciative of Goulding's voice, with many noticing its enduring quality and describing her vocals as ethereal.[200][201][181] In her review ofHigher Than Heaven, Katie Bain fromBillboard called her "one ofdance music's most important and enduring voices".[202] Similarly, In their review of "In My Dreams",Oculate UK praised Goulding's voice as it "remains one ofpop's most recognisable", while Jordi Bardají ofJenesaispop in his review of "Hypnotized", said that Goulding's ethereal voice fits inEDM productions like a glove.[203][204]
Goulding's debut albumLights (2010) experimented with genres includingindie pop,synthpop,folktronica andindietronica. The album contained "sparkling pop with afolky heart and anelectronic edge" and was noted as being infectious.[213] The album incorporated "acoustic guitar" and "retro-synthpop" compared to that ofLittle Boots andLa Roux, while the production contained "folkie origins under a welter of busily cycling synths and programmed beats".[214] Goulding's second albumHalcyon (2012) followed in the same vein, including genres such as indie pop, synthpop anddream pop. She stepped away from the electronic sound of her previous album and moved to a more tribal and anthemic sound containing a bit more piano and vocal.[215] Its re-issueHalcyon Days (2013), which features ten new songs, marked Goulding's return toelectropop. Goulding spoke in an interview withElle about the reason behind her return to a more electronic sound, stating: "I have such an affinity with electronic music that I can't step away from it."[216] Goulding's third studio albumDelirium (2015) was a pivotal moment for the songstress' career, as it presented a change in the musical direction for Goulding, reaching for a more maximalist pop oriented sound.[217] The album dividedmusic critics and fans alike, with critics praising the album production, but expressing scepticism on the lack of personality in the lyrical content, as in contrast from her previous two records.[218][219] Rooted inPop music,Delirium experimented with genres such as electropop, synthpop,dance,R&B, andfolk-pop.[220] Goulding's fourth studio albumBrightest Blue (2020) is divided in two sides; the first side has been compared to her early releases as it recaptures the "simplicity" and "vulnerability" of her first two records. Sonically, experiments with genres such as R&B,soul and electropop.[221] Meanwhile, the second sideEG.0, incorporates influences from music genres likeHip-Hop and dance.[222] Goulding's fifth studio albumHigher Than Heaven (2023) is mainly adance-pop andnu-disco record, it also incorporate tracks with synthpop, R&B and EDM influences.[223][224]
American singer-songwriterTaylor Swift praised Goulding voice while talking withCapital FM saying: "Ellie is amazing, and when she starts singing – I remember the affect she had on my band – they were all looking at each other like 'That's really what her voice sounds like'," she explained. "Because when you first hear an Ellie Goulding song, you're like 'Oh I wonder what effect they're using on her voice. No, that's just the way it sounds."[235] American singer and actressSelena Gomez cited Goulding as an influence for the making of her albumStars Dance in an interview withTeen Vogue saying: "I got to record 20 or so great songs and work with a bunch of different producers and they're all really fun, pop songs and a little Ellie Goulding-ish."[243] English bassistAlex James, member of therock bandBlur, praised Goulding authenticity: "Love her songs. She's the real deal in a world of bogus pop pretenders."[245][231] James also includedHalcyon Days in Blur's favourites albums of all-time oniTunes.[246][247] New Zealand singer-songwriterLorde stated in an interview withClash Magazine that she would "love to write for – or with – Ellie Goulding, actually."[248] American singer-songwriterChappell Roan mentioned Goulding in an interview withPop Crave, as one of the musical inspirations that influenced her early music.[232][249] Scottish DJ and Goulding's frequent collaboratorCalvin Harris spoke in an interview withDork magazine about working with Goulding: "Ellie has the three good things about working with somebody. A spectacular unique voice and delivery that can carry a song emotionally, and [she's] a laugh!".[250]
Personal life
Relationships
She dated English radio DJGreg James in 2010. Their relationship ended in 2012 after 18 months together.[251] In the same year, after collaborating on a song called "Bittersweet" for theTwilight: Breaking Dawn Part Two soundtrack, Goulding started dating DJSkrillex. The two split nine months later, citing the long distance nature of their relationship.[252] Goulding later was in a relationship with actorJeremy Irvine. They broke up in August 2013.[253] Goulding was in a relationship withDougie Poynter ofMcFly between 2014 and 2016.[254]
On 7 August 2018, Goulding and her boyfriend Caspar Jopling announced their engagement.[255][256] The couple were married atYork Minster on 31 August 2019,[257][258] and Goulding wasbaptised in theChurch of England in order to get married.[259] Jopling is the grandson of formerConservative MPMichael Jopling, Baron Jopling.[260] In February 2021, Goulding announced that she and Jopling were expecting their first child.[261] She gave birth to a son in April 2021.[262][263] In February 2024, Goulding and Jopling announced their separation.[264][265]
"I get such chronicanxiety that in the rare moments I don't have anxiety, I feel so happy and full of joy that I'm not having it. If I am in an anxious state, I don't feel things. I numb myself to everything."
In 2016, she spoke toFlare about suffering panic attacks caused by the studio environment that prevented her from working, and going tocognitive behavioural therapy sessions for the first time.[275] In 2017, she discussed in an interview withWell+Good, her ongoing confidence issues and severeanxiety she had experienced.[112] In 2019, a week after theWorld Mental Health Day, Goulding used herInstagram account to bring awareness on dealing with imposter syndrome, sharing her own experience with it and the consequences it had in her life and career.[271] She also revealed that her grandfather committedsuicide "a few years ago".[271][276] In December 2023, whilst guest editingtheToday programme, she revealed that she had suffered frompost-natal depression following the birth of her son in 2021.[277] Goulding credits her approach to the natural environment, having a fitness regime, andkickboxing as ways that helped her overcome panic attacks and anxiety.[278][279][280]
Goulding's personal life has been highly subject of intense media scrutiny,[282][283][284] as well a victim of constant false rumours spread byBritish tabloids, which has affected her public image and her mental health.[285][286][287][288][289] Goulding stated that the media coverage of her life felt like "being strapped to a space shuttle".[290]
After the release of the song "Don't" byEd Sheeran, Goulding was rumoured to be the subject person behind the lyrical content, which Goulding denied multiple times, clarifying that she has never dated Sheeran.[291][292] The media coverage and subsequentslut-shame received over the false claims,[283] led Goulding to step out from the spotlight on a five-year gap.[293][294] She has expressed her disappointment and frustration with the unfounded allegations, stating: "I was made to feel like a terrible person and I really struggled with that because I know I'm not."[295][296]
In 2024, Goulding released a statement on herInstagram stories condemning the false narratives surrounding the end of her marriage, criticising the tabloids for violating her privacy which has damaged her mental health,[297] she denounced the several unethical practices that themedia has played to get unwarranted information on her, including paying locals fromCosta Rica to snitch information on her.[298] Goulding also opened up about becoming a "paranoid wreck" after being constantly stalked "over, and over" by an older man, as well having to deal with a malepaparazzi with "a longlens camera wrapped on a towel".[297] She concluded her statement saying that she "never asked for this level of intrusion".[297] Goulding confirmed on herX account that she knows the identity of her stalker.[299]
During the 2020s, Goulding became a victim oftrolling on the internet, mainly after aparody account, Fake Showbiz News, used the singer as a vessel for fake quotes onX,[300] which quickly become aviral trend on the internet with several users creating their own fake quotes of Goulding.[301][302] Goulding has acknowledged the trend and played along with it.[303][304]
In 2012, she partnered withPandora Radio, one dollar for each sale of her mixtape was donated to theFree the Children charity.[313][314] On 1 June 2013, Goulding performed atGucci's global concert event in London whose campaign "Chime for Change" aims to raise awareness of women's issues in terms of education, health and justice.[315]
Goulding speaks in 2018 in her role as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.
Goulding is also a supporter for helping thehomeless. Goulding has frequently contributed to theBBC's annual charity telethonChildren in Need in the UK.[316] In 2013, Goulding's track "How Long Will I Love You" was the official single for the2013 Children in Need campaign.[316] She has performed in the annual charity concerts for the "Streets of London" charity event at theRoyal Albert Hall from years 2014 to 2018 consecutively.[317][318] On 24 December 2015, Goulding volunteered in central London at the Marylebone Project to help end homelessness and to assist in the elimination of the stereotype associated with the homeless population. She said, "It's that stigma of what a homeless person is — they abuse drugs or abuse alcohol. It's just not true, some people come from very normal backgrounds, very normal situations and something goes wrong. It can happen to all of us."[319] As a patron of the Marylebone Project, Goulding attended the opening of a 24-hour drop-in centre for homeless women in London in November 2021.[308]
In 2016, Goulding used her platform to champion environmental causes, which includes working with organizations like theWorld Wildlife Fund.[321][322] During the 2016Earth Hour event, Goulding urged people to share the hashtag #MakeClimateMatter on social medias, with the purpose of show governments, that the public's support for strong climate action.[322]
In 2018, Goulding joined theUnited Nations Foundation as a Global Ambassador.[323] In April 2019, Goulding and American musicianSteven Price created an original song titled "In This Together" forDavid Attenborough's environmental documentary seriesOur Planet.[324] In October 2019, Goulding was one of the 2,000 activists from 190 countries who spoke at the One Young World global forum, which addressed urgent global issues such as climate change, among others.[325] In 2022, Goulding called out then-Prime MinisterLiz Truss onTwitter, urging her to take a serious stance on the climate crisis.[326] In 2023, Goulding decided that her next album would featureeco-friendly packaging. Her fifth studio album,Higher Than Heaven, saw multiple delays due to difficulties sourcing sustainable materials for the album's physical formats., but eventually was released.[327]
"I believe it's the minimum of human decency to allow people to be their true selves to love who they love and to do whatever the fuck they want without harm, without danger, and without oppression." [...] "Now more than ever, us allies need to step up – and we will, I promise – up to the plate and shout louder than ever before to protect – and I promise we will – to protect, support, and show the ultimate love to our fellow human beings, and I promise I will do that."
Ellie Goulding, during her acceptence speech atAttitude[329]
Goulding has a strong following within theLGBTQ+ community, and has consistently demonstrated allyship through public advocacy for their rights.[330][331][332][333]
In 2014, Goulding was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of theSochi Winter Olympics but declined, following singerCher's decision to boycott the event in protest ofVladimir Putin's anti-LGBTQ+ legislation inRussia, stating: "I immediately said no." about the offer.[334][335][336][337] In June 2016, during herDelirium World Tour performance inNorth Carolina, Goulding displayed apride flag as a form of protest against the state's 'bathroom bill' (HB2), which restricted the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.[307]
In November 2019, Goulding was set to perform at theDallas Cowboys' halftime show, launching theSalvation Army's annualRed Kettle campaign.[338] After sharing photos of herself volunteering, fans raised concerns about the organization's history ofanti-LGBTQ+ policies.[339] In response, Goulding threatened to withdraw unless the Salvation Army made a clear commitment or donation to the LGBTQ+ community, saying: "Upon researching this, I have reached out to The Salvation Army and said that I would have no choice but to pull out unless they very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community."[340][341] The Salvation Army responded reaffirming their commitment to serving all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and clarifying that their services are provided based solely on need.[342] Following this exchange, Goulding agreed to proceed with the performance.[343] The backlash renewed attention to longstanding criticism of the Salvation Army's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.[344]
In 2022, at theVirgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, Goulding urged fellowallies to 'step up' and use their platforms to support, and protect theLGBTQ community, placing particular emphasis ontransgender individuals in light of the "exhausting" rising number of targeted attacks and growing hostility toward the trans community.[345][346]
In May 2025, Goulding was among the musicians who signed an open letter pledging "solidarity with thetrans,non-binary andintersex communities" and condemning the April 2025Supreme Court ruling on the definition of woman in theEquality Act and subsequentEHRC guidance.[347][348]
Other ventures
SERVED cocktails
SERVED Drinks advert featuring the slogan "Summer's Too Short for Bad Cocktails" from their 2024 campaign
Goulding acquired a significant stake in premium Britishhard seltzer brand SERVED for an undisclosed sum in June 2021.[349] Goulding said she was attracted to the brand due to it being based in her childhood home of Herefordshire, as well as for the brand's eco-friendly ethos.[350]
In July 2022, theAdvertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a series of Facebook posts from Goulding promoting SERVED hard seltzer. Goulding's posts claimed the drink was low in calories and contained no sugar, which the ASA ruled were not permitted nutrition claims for alcohol products.[351]
In January 2023, SERVED announced that it had entered into a partnership withMorrisons part of the supermarket's 'Growing British Brands' accelerator programme, which aimed at promoting "innovative and sustainable British producers". SERVED products are now available for sale 498 Morrisons stores, as well as listings in other parts of the business including Morrisons.com, and wholesale channels like Amazon.[352] Later that year, SERVED also launched a series ofReady To Drink cocktails, includingMojito,Passion Fruit Martini, andPiña Colada flavours.[353]
In September 2023, Goulding announced thatHeineken UK had acquired a significant minority stake in SERVED.[354][355]
In July 2024, It was reported that SERVED was being promoted with its biggest campaign yet, the new four-week campaign consisted on several adverts under the slogan "Summer's Too Short for Bad Cocktails", those adverts were expected to be seen by over 4.5 million adults and 46% of Londoners, achieving 160 million impressions.[356] The campaign will also focus on advertising throughout social media, including Goulding's own social platforms which have a combined of 30m followers.[357]
MAC cosmetics
In 2015, Goulding andMAC cosmetics announced their first collaboration,[358] launching a set ofmake-up which are described on MAC's press release as an inspiration of Goulding's "light and dichotomy so present in her artwork and as a performer".[359] The set of products were made available in January 2016, and each cosmetics was named after a song from Goulding's discography.[360] As of May 2017, Goulding's collection is included among the best-selling MAC collaborations of all time, placing at number sixteen.[361]
Every•state supplements
In 2025, Goulding partnered with wellness executive Gemma Feare, and nutrition entrepreneur Jonathan Relph, launchingEverystate (stylised asevery•state),[362] a wellness company which developsmushroom supplements.[363][364] According the press release the supplements will help to relax, have mental health clarity, and better skin.[365][366]
Endorsements
Goulding contributed her vocals to an advert for the British department store chainJohn Lewis in 2010.[367] TheJohn Lewis Christmas advert has become an annual tradition inBritish culture and one of the signals that the countdown to Christmas has begun in the UK, with Goulding performing "Your Song" for the store's 2010 campaign.[368][369]
In 2013, Goulding was announced as one of several new models forMarks & Spencer's 'Womanism' campaign. Subtitled "Britain's leading ladies", the campaign saw Goulding appear alongside British women from various fields, including the actressHelen Mirren, double Olympic gold medal-winning boxerNicola Adams, and writerMonica Ali.[370]
Goulding is endorsing the Swiss shampooPantene Pro-V on television and on the official Pantene website under the tagline "Strong Is Beautiful".[371] This campaign has been running since 21 March 2016.[372]
She was honoured with theVariety Hitmakers Decade Award, in 2019, after ten years of consistent work as a hitmaker,[378] with Goulding stating:"It's probably the first time I've really been acknowledged for this work".[379] In the same year, Goulding was awarded with an honoraryDoctor of Arts degree at theUniversity of Kent in recognition of her contribution to music.[380][381][382] Meanwhile, in recognition as a songwriter she was presented with theBMI President's Award at the 2022BMI London Awards ceremony.[383] Goulding was awarded with 'The Praeses Elit Award' fromTrinity College Dublin, which is given to those who have left an impact in their respective fields, in 2023.[384]
Throughout her music career, Goulding has attached several records to her name. In 2015, Goulding became the first artist to replace herself from the top spot on theDance/Mix Show Airplay chart, when "Love Me Like You Do" dethroned "Outside".[385] Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" also broke the record for the most-streamed track in a week on Spotify, surpassing "Uptown Funk".[386][387] In 2019, Goulding set the record for most song entries by a British female artist in the US after "Hate Me" became her fourteen entry on theBillboard Hot 100.[388]Billboard ranked her asone of the most successful artists of the 2010s decade.[389][390]Billboard also ranked Goulding as the 62nd biggest female artist of the 21st century in March 2025.[391] In the United Kingdom, Goulding has the most number-one albums by a British female artist (tied withAdele), with four of her five studio albums (Lights,Halcyon,Brightest Blue, andHigher Than Heaven) topping the chart.[392] Goulding's cover ofJoni Mitchell 'River' was the final number-one single of the 2010s in the United Kingdom.[393] Goulding ranks as the third British female artist with most number-ones singles with four chart-topping singles: "Burn" (2013), "Love Me Like You Do" (2014), "River" (2019) and "Miracle" (2023), just behindJess Glynne andCheryl. Goulding currently holds the record for most song entries by a British female solo artist in theUK Singles Chart with 36 song entries, surpassingDame Shirley Bassey in 2023.[394]
For her constantactivism onclimate change awareness, Goulding has received numerous recognitions, some of her honours include being awarded with the'Global Leadership Award' (2017) for her environmental and social justice activism, and being named 'Humanitarian of the Year' (2022) for her work raising the profile of fossil fuel-funded conflicts, including inUkraine, and her support for refugees from conflict zones and the frontline of the climate crisis, both awards were given by theUnited Nations Foundation.[323] Goulding was honoured at theTIME 100 Impact Awards with the 'Impact Award' in recognition of her longstanding work toward advancing climate change awareness, in 2022.[398] In 2024, Goulding was presented bySarah, Duchess of York, as the eleventh recipient ofThe Perfect World Foundation Award, becoming the first musician to be recognised with 'The Conservationist of the Year' title, by the environmental organisation.[399][400] She was also awarded with the 'Impact Award' by thePlaying For Change Foundation for her work as an artist and philanthropist.[305]
^"Ellie Goulding took a long music break post Ed Sheeran dating rumors".The A.V. Club. 24 February 2023. Retrieved5 April 2024...the artist emphasizes that the intense scrutiny the rumors begot "changed things for me." As Goulding tells it, the situation led her to take a five-year hiatus from music between her third album Delirium and her 2020 record Brightest Blue.
^Heard, Stephen (19 November 2013)."Event Auckland: Ellie Goulding".Concrete Playground. Retrieved11 November 2025.Goulding is recognised for her high piercing vibrato, breathy tone and emotive delivery.
^Inyang, Ibet (16 October 2012)."Hidden talent: Ellie Goulding breaks out from behind electronic tracks to showcase her vocal chops".The Daily Orange. Retrieved11 November 2025.It's refreshing that Americans are giving Goulding a chance, because unlike many pop stars in history, she can actually sing. Her voice has a light and breathy tone that always sounds like she's whispering sweet nothings in listeners' ears, even through all the electro-pop madness.
^Shriver, Jerry (9 October 2012)."Album of the week: Ellie Goulding's 'Halcyon'".USA Today.Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved9 October 2012.the 25-year-old Brit presents an edgier, more aggressive showcase for her swooping, stratosphere-piercing vibrato.
^Unterberger, Katie Bain, Dave Brooks, Eric Renner Brown, Stephen Daw, Kyle Denis, Thom Duffy, Griselda Flores, Josh Glicksman, Carl Lamarre, Cydney Lee, Elias Leight, Jason Lipshutz, Joe Lynch, Heran Mamo, Rebecca Milzoff, Taylor Mims, Melinda Newman, Jessica Nicholson, Isabela Raygoza, Kristin Robinson, Jessica Roiz, Dan Rys, Andrew (20 June 2023)."The 50 Best Albums Of 2023 So Far: Staff Picks".Billboard. Retrieved3 December 2024.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^abStaff, Substream (20 April 2025)."The Social and Career Impact of Fake News on Musical Artists".Substream Magazine. Retrieved2 September 2025.British singer Ellie Goulding has faced relentless scrutiny from tabloids, leading to significant personal and professional challenges. False rumors about her relationships, particularly allegations of affairs with fellow artists like Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan, subjected her to public slut-shaming.
^McTaggart, India (28 December 2023)."Ellie Goulding discusses the pressures facing women in the music industry".The Telegraph. Retrieved7 September 2025.The popstar took a music hiatus after her 2017 Delirium World Tour to deal with her anxiety and intense media scrutiny before releasing her fourth studio album, Brightest Blue.
_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
.jpg)
