Goulding took a hiatus from 2016 to 2020, struggling with an anxiety disorder and media scrutiny over false claims on her personal life.[3][4] Her fourth studio album Brightest Blue (2020) became her third album to top the UK Albums Chart, and her fourth consecutive album certified by the Recording 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 the UK Singles Chart in 2023.[6] Goulding's fifth studio album Higher 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 with Adele.[7]
Goulding is the recipient of numerous accolades, including three Brit Awards (including the prestigious BRIT Billion Award), a Billboard Music Award, 17 BMI London Awards, and nominations for two Grammy Awards.[8] She was honored with a Decade Award by the Variety Hitmakers Awards in recognition of a decade of "undeniable hits".[8]TIME100 honored her with the Impact Award for using her platform to protect the environment.[9][10] She has sold more than 27 million albums and 216 million singles, and amassed 43 billion streams worldwide,[11] making her one of the most successful British female singers of the 21st century.[12][13]
Early life
Elena Jane Goulding was born on 30 December 1986[14] in Hereford, Herefordshire, England to Arthur and Tracey Goulding, and was brought up in the small village of Lyonshall, in Herefordshire. She has a brother, Alex, and two sisters, Isabel and Jordan. When she was five years old, her parents separated.[15] Afterwards, she had little contact with her father, a funeral director.[16] Goulding and her siblings were raised by their mother on a council estate,[17] with Goulding describing the family as "super poor".[18] She stated that she has a "difficult" relationship with her mother.[16]
Goulding began playing the clarinet at age nine and learning guitar at age 14. She attended Lady Hawkins' High School in Kington, Herefordshire and, by the age of 15, started writing songs. She took A levels in English, politics, drama and music, and passed the first 3 with "A" grades but failed music.[19][20] After enrolling on a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Kent and remaining until her final year, she met Jamie Lillywhite. He became her manager and introduced her to the producer Starsmith, who would become her chief collaborator and the primary producer of Lights.[21]
Career
2009–2011: Lights and Bright Lights
Goulding performing at Nokia World in September 2010
Before the release of her debut album, Goulding won the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, which showcases the music industry's top choices for rising stars.[29] She also won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards, making her the second artist to win both in the same year.[30] Goulding co-wrote "Love Me 'Cause You Want To" for Gabriella Cilmi's second album, Ten, and three songs ("Remake Me + You", "Notice", "Jumping into Rivers") for Diana Vickers's debut album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.[31] Her song "Not Following" was used by German singer Lena on her debut album My Cassette Player.[32] Goulding was featured on rapper Tinie Tempah's single "Wonderman" from his debut studio album Disc-Overy (2010).
Goulding's debut album Lights was released in March 2010, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 6 on the Irish Albums Chart.[33][34][35] Its singles "Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses", and "The Writer" peaked at Nos. 4, 26, and 19.[27] As of June 2012, the album had sold over 850,000 copies in the UK and 1.6 million copies worldwide.[36] In August 2010, she released a second EP, Run into the Light, containing remixes of songs from Lights. The album was supported by Nike and was released through Polydor as a running soundtrack in an effort to get her music taken up by the running subculture.[37] In November 2010, Lights was re-released as Bright Lights, with six new tracks added. It was originally announced that the lead single from Bright Lights would be the new edit of the title track with a release scheduled for 1 November 2010.[38] This plan was ultimately scrapped to allow her cover of Elton John's "Your Song" to be released in conjunction with the John Lewis Christmas advert in the UK in 2010. The single became her second highest-charting single to date, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[27] It also charted in some European countries.[39] In January 2011, it was announced that the title track from Lights would serve as the second single from Bright Lights.[40] "Lights" reached No. 49 on the UK Singles Chart,[27] while becoming Goulding's first song to chart in the United States, as well as her highest-charting song to date, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2012.[41]
Goulding performing live at The Venue in Vancouver, April 2011
Goulding toured in support of Lights and supported Passion Pit in March 2010 and John Mayer[42] during his British tour in May 2010.[43] During the summer she performed at a number of festivals. On 29 May she performed at the Dot to Dot Festival in Bristol.[44] She performed a set on 25 June at the Glastonbury Festival 2010 on the John Peel Stage.[45] Her third EP was a live recording of part of her set at the iTunes Festival 2010.[46] The whole set was ultimately included as bonus content on the iTunes version of Bright Lights.[47] She made her T in the Park debut on 11 July.[48] In early 2011, she recorded an original song for the film Life in a Day. Ellie Goulding was No. 5 on Rolling Stone's annual hot list in February 2011.[49] In February 2011, she returned to the Brit Awards where she was nominated for Best British Female and Best British Breakthrough Act but lost out to Laura Marling and to Tinie Tempah.[50]
Goulding collaborated with American electronic artist and producer Skrillex on a song titled "Summit", included on his 2011 EP Bangarang. She travelled with Skrillex on his South American tour[56]
She headlined the 2011 Wakestock Festival in Wales, performing on 8 July.[57] In August, she performed at the V Festival for her second year in a row.[58] Following the re-release of Lights 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.[59] On 6 August 2011, she performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago.[60] She performed at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert on 11 December 2011 in Oslo, Norway. On 1 December 2011, she performed at the White House during the National Christmas Tree lighting, alongside Big Time Rush and will.i.am.[61] On 19 September 2011, it was announced that she would open for Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour, replacing Jessie J who withdrew due to a foot injury.[62][63]
In 2012, Goulding appeared on "Fall into the Sky" from Zedd's debut album Clarity and on Calvin Harris's song "I Need Your Love" which is included on Halcyon and also Harris's album 18 Months. On 10 July 2012, Goulding released a cover of Active Child's song "Hanging On", featuring Tinie Tempah, as a free download on her SoundCloud page.[64] In late July 2012, it was announced that Goulding's second album is titled Halcyon and it would be released on 8 October 2012. The album was preceded by the lead single "Anything Could Happen" on 21 August.[65] The lyric video for "Anything Could Happen" premiered on 9 August 2012, consisting of a series of fan-submitted Instagram pictures.[66]
On 19 November 2012, the music video for Goulding's second single from Halcyon, 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 at No. 33.
Goulding contributed a track titled "Bittersweet" (produced by Skrillex) to the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, released on 13 November 2012.[67] It was announced on 12 February 2013, that in May 2013, she would be supporting Bruno Mars on his Moonshine Jungle World Tour on selected dates.[68] On 20 May 2013, Goulding announced she would embark on a seven-date tour in the UK during October that year.[69] On 28 May 2013, Goulding's cover of Alt-J's song "Tessellate" was released via her SoundCloud page.[70] 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".[71]
In June 2013, Goulding performed at previous festivals and concerts including RockNess festival in Inverness, Capital FM Summertime Ball and Firefly Music Festival at The Woodlands in Dover, Delaware. On 2 July 2013, Goulding premiered a song titled "You My Everything" in the first episode of Skins Fire[72] and that same day Goulding confirmed to Elle magazine that Halcyon would be re-released later that year.[73]
On 5 July 2013, Digital Spy confirmed the release of Halcyon Days, a repackaged edition of Halcyon, which was released on 23 August 2013.[74] The re-release, featuring ten additional tracks, was preceded by the single "Burn", which had been uploaded to Goulding's SoundCloud page the previous day.[75][76] On 7 July 2013, the official music video for "Burn" premiered on Goulding's Vevo channel on YouTube. "Burn" became Goulding's first single to top the UK's Official Singles Chart.[77]
Goulding was performing at V Festival Chelmsford when news of her first UK No. 1 broke; Rita Ora surprised Goulding with her Official Number 1 Award.[78]
On 9 September 2013, Goulding released a music video for "How Long Will I Love You" for the film About Time.[79] Goulding appeared on the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire with the track "Mirror".
On 15 October 2013, Goulding confirmed on Fearne Cotton's radio show that "How Long Will I Love You" would be the next single for BBC's Children in Need.[80] On the same day, the Active Child song "Silhouette", on which Goulding features, was also released.[81] On 28 October 2013, Goulding posted an alternative video of "How Long Will I Love You" on her Vevo channel for the short film Tom & Issy, in which she also stars.[82] On the final episode of The X Factor on 14 December, Goulding performed a duet with finalist Luke Friend.[83]
Goulding performing at the Ilosaarirock 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 from Halcyon Days.[84] On 22 January 2014, Goulding confirmed through her Facebook page that she had contributed the song "Beating Heart" to the soundtrack for the film Divergent, based on the novel of the same name by Veronica Roth.[85]
On 3 February 2014, Goulding released a cover of the James Blake song "Life Round Here" featuring rapper Angel Haze through her SoundCloud page.[86] On 19 February, Goulding won Best British Female Solo Artist at the 2014 Brit Awards.[87]
On 20 October 2014, she stated via Facebook that she will appear on the new Calvin Harris album, Motion, with a new song called "Outside". The song was released as the album's fourth single on 20 October 2014.[88] Goulding also featured in Iggy Azalea's song "Heavy Crown", which was released on 21 November 2014 on Azalea's Reclassified, a reissue of her debut album The New Classic.[89]
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 film Fifty Shades of Grey, adapted from the erotic novel of the same name. The video was released to YouTube on 22 January, to precede an official release date of 15 February.[90] The single has been a commercial success, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, topping the charts in many other nations including Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, and reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard 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).[91] On 7 December 2015, "Love Me like You Do" earned Goulding a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.[2] In the nominations for the 2016 Brit Awards announced on 14 January 2016, the song was among the nominees for British Single of the Year, and Best British Video.[92] Goulding starred in the music video for Taylor Swift's song "Bad Blood", which was released in May 2015.[93]
Goulding appeared on the Major Lazer album Peace Is the Mission on the track "Powerful", alongside Tarrus Riley. The track was released together with the album on 1 June 2015. A preview of the single was revealed on 23 April 2015.[94] Having finished recording new material on 27 July 2015, Goulding tweeted a link to an Instagram post of her leaving Abbey Road Studios captioned, "That's a wrap!".[95] On 5 August 2015 at the iHeartRadio Music Summit, Interscope unveiled the title of Goulding's new single, "On My Mind".[96] 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 the 2015 AFL Grand Final, along with Canadian musician Bryan Adams and American musician Chris Isaak.[97] On 17 September, Goulding debuted her single, "On My Mind", the lead track from Delirium, on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show. She also announced that Delirium would be released on 6 November. Goulding subsequently performed "On My Mind" at the Apple Music Festival later that week.[98][99]
Goulding also appeared on the Australian X Factor on 6 October where she performed "On My Mind".[100] 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.[101] Third single, "Something in the Way You Move" was first released as a promotional single from the album on 9 October 2015.[102] It was then released on 19 January 2016, its original music video was released on 23 February 2016[103] and other music video directed by Emil Nava was released on 21 June 2017.[104]
On 19 August 2016 she released the song "Still Falling for You" for the soundtrack to the film Bridget Jones's Baby, and its music video premiered on 25 August 2016.[105][106] It received moderate commercial success worldwide managing to reach number 11 in the UK.[27] After taking some months off, in 2017, she performed at the opening of 16th edition of Mawazine Festival, held in Rabat from 12 to 20 May.[107][108]
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.[109][110]
Her first stand-alone release was a collaboration with Kygo, which she previously premeried at the opening of the Mawazine Festival. The single titled, "First Time", was released on 28 April 2017.[111]
In 2018, Goulding joined Tap Management after almost a decade with First Access Management.[112] She appeared on a collaboration with Sean Paul on his Mad Love the Prequel EP titled "Bad Love", released on 29 June 2018.[113]
Goulding collaborated with Diplo and Swae Lee on the single "Close to Me", which was released on 24 October 2018.[114] On 1 January 2019, The Guardian reported that she has been working on her fourth album, set to release in the same year.[115] On 1 March, she released the next single "Flux".[116] She said regarding the album, "It's very much written by me".[117]
On 12 April 2019, Goulding released the single "Sixteen".[118] 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."[119]
Goulding released "Hate Me" with American rapper Juice Wrld on 26 June 2019.[120][121] It was premiered by Zane Lowe as his 'World Record' on Beats 1.[122] 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".[123] In November, she released her rendition of Joni 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.[124]
2020–2021: Return and Brightest 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 with Blackbear.[125] In a radio interview with Heart 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."[126] On 21 May she released single "Power" and on 30 June single "Slow Grenade" with Lauv.
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 the COVID-19 pandemic. The album debuted at the top of the UK Album Chart, becoming Goulding's third album to do so,[127] as well as at No. 2 in Scotland.[128] It reached the top 10 in Ireland[129] as well as the top 40 in over ten countries including Australia, Germany and the United States.
Goulding announced on an Instagram Q&A that she would be releasing new music which was not part of the Brightest Blue era at the end of January 2021.[130] On 21 January, she released a collaboration with electronic duo Silk City, titled "New Love".[131] On 30 September, Goulding performed "Anything Could Happen" as part of the opening ceremony for Expo 2020, held in Dubai.[132]
2022–2023: Higher Than Heaven and Miracle
Goulding performing at Superbloom Festival 2023
On 19 June 2022, Goulding performed at Rock in Rio in Lisbon, 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.[133] Back in July 2021, during an interview with Joe Wicks, she described the forthcoming album as "a dance record. It's electronic pop, a dance thing from outer space".[134] On 4 July 2022, she announced the release of "Easy Lover" featuring Big Sean, which was released on 15 July.[135] The single did not enter the UK Singles Top 100, but peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart Top 100.[136] It was followed by "All by Myself", a collaboration between Goulding and producers Alok and Sigala, on 7 October.[137] 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.[138][139] It was delayed multiple times and released on 7 April 2023.[140]
On March 10, 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.[141] In its second week at number one, Goulding's album Higher Than Heaven also topped the UK Albums Chart, marking the first time Goulding simultaneously had a number-one single and album in her career.[142] 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.[143] Meanwhile, "Miracle" stayed atop the chart for eight non-consecutive weeks, becoming Goulding's longest-running number-one to date.[144] With "Miracle", Goulding earned her second Grammy nomination for Best Pop Dance Recording, and a Brit Award nomination for Song of the Year.[145][146] As July 26, 2024, the single is certified two-time platinum by the BPI.[147]
On 14 September, Goulding released the single "Somebody", in collaboration with TSHA and Gregory Porter.[151][152] On 13 October, Goulding joined Japanese musician Yoshiki on stage at Royal Albert Hall to perform a classical version of "Love Me Like You Do".[153]
2024–present: Collaborations and upcoming music
On April 18, Goulding surprise release a remixed version of her song "Brightest Blue" in collaboration with Nature, with the purpose of using the royalties of the song to help environmental causes.[154] On April 28, during a one-night-only concert at the Royal Albert Hall, Goulding performed a brand new song titled, "Easy To Love Me", and hinted that it would be part of upcoming sixth studio album as she stated that she was working on new music.[155] On April 30, Goulding shared that she was working with producer Jack Rochon for her sixth studio via her Instagram stories.[156]
After the immense success of their third collaboration Goulding and Harris hinted the possibility of working on again. On July 9, Harris teased his new collaboration with Goulding on Ibiza.[157] On July 19, he confirmed the date of release, the title and artwork of the single.[158] On July 25, the duo performed the single for the first time live on Ibiza.[159] On July 26, the music duo released their fourth collaboration "Free".[160][161] Goulding provided the lead vocals for Starsmith comeback single, "Leave Me Slowly", which was released on August 16.[162][163][164]
On 8 May 2024, Four Tet teased a brand-new single with Goulding on his social media, titled "In My Dreams".[165] It marks their fifth collaboration and first since the Grammy-nominated remix of "Easy Lover".[166] The single was released on 9 September 2024.[167][168] On October 7, DJ Hugel teased an upcoming remix of his hit single "I Adore You" with Goulding and J Balvin.[169] Goulding and Balvin's remix of Hugel's "I Adore You" was officially released on November 15, featuring Topic, Arash and Daecolm.[170] On December 2, during a press conference, before her performance at the sold-out Top of the Mountain opening concert in Ischgl, Austria, Goulding was interviewed by The Sun, and she revelead that her sixth studio album would be "very personal", as well commented that she has a classical album set to be released, both projects next year.[171][172]
Artistry
Goulding has listed musicians such as Joni Mitchell (left) and Björk (right) as her influences.
Goulding's music has been described as electropop,[173][174]synth-pop,[175]indie pop[176] and folktronica.[177][178] She is a soprano[179][180][181] and is noted for her high piercing vibrato, breathy tone and emotive delivery.[182][183] In a review for Halcyon, Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph described her voice as "something special", continuing; "Her tremulous vibrato and slightly hoarse timbre 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".[184] During an interview with Carson 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.[185]
Will Hermes of Rolling Stone compared her voice to that of Dolly Parton, stating that her upper register was dazzling whilst also complementing her skill in vocal multi-layering.[186] Megan Farokhmanesh of Paste 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".[181]
Goulding's debut album Lights (2010) experimented with genres including indie pop, synthpop, folktronica and indietronica. The album contained "sparkling pop with a folky heart and an electronic edge" and was noted as being infectious.[195] The album incorporated "acoustic guitar" and "retro-synthpop" compared to that of Little Boots and La Roux, while the production contained "folkie origins under a welter of busily cycling synths and programmed beats".[196] Goulding's second album Halcyon (2012) followed in the same vein, including genres such as indie pop, synthpop and dream 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.[197] Its re-issue Halcyon Days (2013) which features ten brand-new songs, marked the return of Goulding's electronic music style, with the singer-songwriter embracing her electropop sound. Goulding spoke on an interview with Elle, about the reasoning 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."[198] Goulding's third studio album Delirium (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.[199] The album divided music critics and fans alike, with critics praising the album production, but expressing skepticism on the lack of personality in the lyrical content, as in contrast from her previous two records.[200][201] Rooted in Pop music, Delirium experimented with genres such as electropop, synthpop, dance, R&B, and folk-pop.[202] Goulding's fourth studio album Brightest 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.[203] Meanwhile, the second side EG.0, incorporates influences from music genres like Hip-Hop and dance.[204] Goulding's fifth studio album Higher Than Heaven (2023) is mainly a dance-pop and nu-disco record, it also incorporate tracks with synthpop, R&B and EDM influences.[205][206]
Goulding has received praise and admiration from fellow peers. Some artists that have spoken highly about the singer includes: Halsey,[207]Bridgit Mendler,[208]Lauv,[209]Camila Cabello,[210]Normani,[211]Lil Nas X,[212]Chappell Roan,[213]Ally Brooke,[214]BUNT.,[215]Taylor Swift,[216]Aaron Paul,[217]Calvin Harris,[218]Selena Gomez,[219] and Lorde.[220] American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift praised Goulding voice while talking with Capital 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."[216] American singer and actress Selena Gomez cited Goulding as an influence for the making of her album "Stars Dance" in an interview with Teen 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."[219] New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde stated in an interview with Clash Magazine that she would "love to write for – or with – Ellie Goulding, actually."[221] American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan mentioned Goulding in an interview with Pop Crave, as one of the musical inspirations that influenced her early music.[213][222] Scottish DJ and Goulding's frequent collaborator Calvin Harris spoke in an interview with Dork 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!”.[223]
Personal life
Relationships
She dated English radio DJ Greg James in 2010. Their relationship ended in 2012 after 18 months together.[224] In the same year, after collaborating on a song called "Bittersweet" for the Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part Two soundtrack, Goulding started dating DJ Skrillex. The two split nine months later, citing the long distance nature of their relationship.[225] Goulding later was in a relationship with actor Jeremy Irvine. They broke up in August 2013.[226] Goulding was in a relationship with Dougie Poynter of McFly between 2014 and 2016.[227]
On 7 August 2018, Goulding and her boyfriend Caspar Jopling announced their engagement.[228][229] The couple were married at York Minster on 31 August 2019[230][231] and Goulding was baptised in the Church of England in order to get married.[232] Jopling is the grandson of former Conservative MP Michael Jopling, Baron Jopling.[233] In February 2021, Goulding announced that she and Jopling were expecting their first child.[234] She gave birth to a son, Arthur Ever Winter Jopling, in April 2021.[235][236] In February 2024, Goulding and Jopling announced their separation.[237][238]
Goulding ran the inaugural Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. on 28 April 2013, earning a time of 1:41:35.[242][243]
Goulding has spoken several times about her experience with mental health conditions. In 2016, she discussed panic attacks caused by the studio environment that prevented her from working.[244] In 2017, she discussed ongoing confidence issues and severe anxiety she had experienced. She spoke of an increased confidence within herself which reduces the nervous flutters she experiences.[110] She has said that a fitness regime and boxing at the gym has helped her overcome panic attacks and anxiety.[245] In December 2023, whilst guest editing the Today programme, she revealed that she had suffered from post-natal depression following the birth of her son in 2021.[246]
Goulding's personal life has been highly subject of intense media scrutiny, as well a victim of constant false rumours spread by British tabloids, which has affected her public image and her mental health.[248] Goulding stated that the media coverage of her life felt like "being strapped to a space shuttle".[249]
After the release of the song "Don't" by Ed 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.[250][251] The media coverage and subsequent slut-shame received over the false claims, lead Goulding to step out from the spotlight on a five-year gap.[252] 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."[253][254]
In 2024, Goulding released a statement on her Instagram stories condemning the false narratives surrounding the end of her marriage, criticising the tabloids for violating her privacy which has damaged her mental health,[255] she denounced the several unethical practices that the media has played to get unwarranted information on her, including paying locals from Costa Rica to snitch information on her.[256] Goulding also opened up about becoming a "paranoid wreck" after being contestly stalked "over, and over" by an older man, as well having to deal with a male paparazzi with "a long lens camera wrapped on a towel".[255] She concluded her statement saying that she "never asked for this level of intrusion".[255] Goulding confirmed on her X account that she knows the identity of her stalker.[257]
Despite keeping a low profile on social medias, Goulding became a victim of trolling on the internet, mainly after a parody account, Fake Showbiz News, used the singer as a vessel for fake quotes on X,[258] which quickly become a viral trend on the internet with several users creating their own fake quotes of Goulding.[259][260] Goulding has acknowledged the trend and played along with it.[261][262]
Other ventures
SERVED cocktails
SERVED Drinks advert featuring the slogan "Summer's Too Short for Bad Cocktails" from their 2024 campaing.
Goulding acquired a significant stake in premium British hard seltzer brand SERVED for an undisclosed sum in June 2021.[263] 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.[264]
In July 2022, the Advertising 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.[265]
In January 2023, SERVED announced that it had entered into a partnership with Morrisons 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.[266] Later that year, SERVED also launched a series of Ready To Drink cocktails, including Mojito, Passion Fruit Martini, and Piña Colada flavours.[267]
In September 2023, Goulding announced that Heineken UK had acquired a significant minority stake in SERVED.[268][269]
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.[270] The campaign will also focus on advertising throughout social media, including Goulding's own social platforms which have a combined of 30m followers.[271]
MAC cosmetics
In 2015, Goulding and MAC cosmetics announced their first collaboration,[272] launching a set of make-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".[273] The set of products were made available in January 2016, and each cosmetics was named after a song from Goulding's discography.[274] As of May 2017, Goulding's collection is included among the best-selling MAC collaborations of all time, placing at number sixteen.[275]
Philanthropy
Goulding speaks in 2018 in her role as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador
In 2012, she partnered with Pandora Radio, one dollar for each sale of her mixtape was donated to the Free the Children charity.[278][279] On 1 June 2013, Goulding performed at Gucci'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.[280]
Goulding has frequently contributed to the BBC's annual charity telethon Children in Need in the UK.[281] In 2013, Goulding's track "How Long Will I Love You" was the official single for the 2013 Children in Need campaign.[281]
Goulding is also a supporter for helping the homeless. She has performed in the annual charity concerts for the "Streets of London" charity event at the Royal Albert Hall from years 2014 to 2018 consecutively.[283][284] 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."[285] 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.[286] In 2018, Goulding joined the United Nations Foundation as a Global Ambassador.[287]
Endorsements
Goulding contributed her vocals to an advert for the British department store chain John Lewis in 2010.[288] The John Lewis Christmas advert has become an annual tradition in British 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.[289][290]
In 2013, Goulding was announced as one of several new models for Marks & Spencer's 'Womanism' campaign. Subtitled "Britain's leading ladies", the campaign saw Goulding appear alongside British women from various fields, including the actress Helen Mirren, double Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams, and writer Monica Ali.[291]
Goulding is endorsing the Swiss shampoo Pantene Pro-V on television and on the official Pantene website under the tagline "Strong Is Beautiful".[292] This campaign has been running since 21 March 2016.[293]
She was honored with the Variety Hitmakers Decade Award, in 2019, after ten years of consistent work as a hitmaker,[299] with Goulding stating: "It's probably the first time I've really been acknowledged for this work".[300] In the same year, Goulding was awarded with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree at the University of Kent in recognition of her contribution to music.[301][302][303] Meanwhile, in recognition as a songwriter she was presented with the BMI President's Award at the 2022 BMI London Awards ceremony.[304] Goulding was awarded with 'The Praeses Elit Award' from Trinity College Dublin, which is given to those who have left an impact in their respective fields, in 2023.[305]
Throughout her music career, Goulding has attached several records to her name. She was the first artist on Spotify to have two album with one billion streams, with "Halcyon Days" and "Delirium" in 2016.[306] In 2015, Goulding became the first artist to replace herself from the top spot on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, when "Love Me Like You Do" dethroned "Outside".[307] Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" also broke the record for the most-streamed track in a week on Spotify, surpassing "Uptown Funk".[308][309] 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 the Billboard Hot 100.[310]Billboard ranked her as one of the most successful artists of the 2010s decade.[311][312] In the United Kingdom, Goulding has the most number-one albums by a British female artist (tied with Adele), with four of her five studio albums (Lights, Halcyon, Brightest Blue, and Higher Than Heaven) topping the chart.[313] Goulding's cover of Joni Mitchell 'River' was the final number-one single of the 2010s in the United Kingdom.[314] 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 behind Jess Glynne and Cheryl. Goulding currently holds the record for most song entries by a British female solo artist in the UK Singles Chart with 36 song entries, surpassing Dame Shirley Bassey in 2023.[315]
For her support to the LGBTQ+ community, Goulding has been honored with the 'Ally Award' (2022) by the Attitude Awards,[316] the 'Celebrity Ally' (2019) by British LGBT Awards, and as well earning a nomination in the same category at the 2022 ceremony.[317][318]
For her constant activism on climate-change awareness, Goulding has received numerous recognitions, some of her most notorious honours includes 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 in Ukraine, and her support for refugees from conflict zones and the frontline of the climate crisis, both awards were given by the United Nations Foundation.[287] Goulding was honored at the TIME 100 Impact Awards with the 'Impact Award' in recognition of her longstanding work toward advancing climate change awareness, in 2022.[319] In 2024, Goulding was presented by Sarah, Duchess of York, as the eleventh recipient of The Perfect World Foundation Award, becoming the first musician to be recognized with 'The Conservationist of the Year' title, by the environmental organization.[320][321] She was also awarded with the 'Impact Award' by the Playing For Change Foundation for her work as an artist and philanthropist.[322]
^McCormick, Neil (26 February 2010). "Ellie Goulding: Lights, CD review". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 28 December 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
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