Ellie Goulding

2009–2011: Lights and Bright Lights

Goulding signed to British record label Polydor Records in July 2009, and her debut extended play An Introduction to Ellie Goulding was released.^[10] Her debut single, "Under the Sheets", was released through the independent label Neon Gold Records, appearing digitally in the United Kingdom on 15 November 2009.^[11][12][13] The single peaked at No. 53 on the UK Singles Chart following Goulding's appearance on Later... with Jools Holland^[14] and a UK tour supporting Little Boots.^[15][16] "Wish I Stayed" was available as a free download as Single of the Week on iTunes Store UK from 22 to 28 December 2009.^[17]

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.^[18] She also won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards, making her the second artist to win both in the same year.^[19] Goulding co-wrote "Love Me 'Cause You Want To" for Gabriella Cilmi's second album, Ten (2010), and three songs ("Remake Me + You", "Notice", and "Jumping into Rivers") for Diana Vickers's 2010 debut album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.^[20] Her song, "Not Following", was used by German singer Lena on her debut album My Cassette Player (2010).^[21] Goulding was featured on rapper Tinie Tempah's single "Wonderman" from his debut studio album Disc-Overy (2010).^[22]

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.^[23][24][25] Its singles "Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses", and "The Writer" peaked at Nos. 4, 26, and 19, respectively.^[16] As of June 2012, the album had sold over 850,000 copies in the UK and 1.6 million copies worldwide.^[26] In August 2010, she released the 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.^[27] In November 2010, Lights was re-released as Bright Lights, with six new tracks added.^[28] It was originally announced that the lead single from the re-issue would be the new edit of the title track, scheduled for 1 November 2010.^[29] However, the plan was ultimately scrapped, and her cover of Elton John's "Your Song" was chosen as the lead single;^[30] it was released in conjunction with the 2010 television campaign John Lewis Christmas advert in the UK.^[31] The single became her second highest-charting single to date, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.^[16] It also charted in several European countries.^[32] In January 2011, it was announced that the title track from Lights would serve as the second single from Bright Lights.^[33] The single reached No. 49 on the UK Singles Chart^[16] and became 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.^[34]

Goulding toured in support of Lights and supported American band Passion Pit in March 2010 and John Mayer^[35] during his British tour in May 2010.^[36] During the summer, she performed at a number of festivals; she performed at the Dot to Dot Festival in Bristol on 29 May^[37] and performed a set on 25 June at the Glastonbury Festival 2010, on the John Peel Stage.^[38] Her third EP was also released, a live recording of part of her set at the iTunes Festival 2010.^[39] The whole set was ultimately included as bonus content on the iTunes version of Bright Lights.^[40] She made her T in the Park debut on 11 July.^[41]

In early 2011, she recorded an original song for the film Life in a Day.^[42] In February, Rolling Stone listed Goulding on No. 5 at annual hot list.^[43] The same month, 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 Tempah.^[44] In April, she played live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.^[45] She also made her American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 7 April, performing "Starry Eyed". She appeared as the musical guest on the 700th episode of the Saturday Night Live, broadcast 7 May and hosted by Tina Fey.^[46][47] On 29 April, she performed at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton,^[48] and performed what she recalled as "about 14 songs", including her cover of "Your Song".^[49]

Goulding collaborated with American electronic artist and producer Skrillex on a song titled "Summit", included on his 2011 EP Bangarang.^[50] On his South American tour, she travelled with Skrillex.^[51] She headlined the 2011 Wakestock Festival in Wales, performing on 8 July.^[52] In August, she performed at the V Festival for her second year in a row.^[53] 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.^[54] On 6 August, she performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago.^[55] On 19 September, it was announced that she would open for American singer Katy Perry's tour, California Dreams Tour, replacing Jessie J who withdrew due to a foot injury.^[56] On 1 December, she performed at the White House during the National Christmas Tree lighting, alongside Big Time Rush and will.i.am.^[57] She also performed at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert on 11 December in Oslo, Norway.^[58]

2012–2014: Halcyon and Halcyon Days

In 2012, Goulding appeared on "Fall into the Sky" from German DJ Zedd's debut album Clarity (2012)^[59] and on Scottish singer Calvin Harris's song "I Need Your Love", included in his third album 18 Months (2012) and Goulding's second album.^[60] On 10 July, the singer released a cover of American singer Active Child's song "Hanging On", featuring Tinie Tempah, as a free download on her SoundCloud page.^[61] In late July, it was announced that Goulding's second studio album would be titled Halcyon and released on 8 October. It was preceded by the lead single, "Anything Could Happen", on 21 August;^[62] a lyric video for the song premiered on 9 August, consisting of a series of fan-submitted Instagram pictures.^[63] Goulding contributed a track titled "Bittersweet" to the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, released on 13 November.^[64] On 19 November, the music video for Halcyon's second single, titled "Figure 8" was released.^[65] The single was released digitally in the UK on 16 December.^[66] Before its release, the song entered the top 40 in the UK, peaking at No. 33.^[67]

It was announced in February 2013, that in May, she would be supporting American singer Bruno Mars on his tour, the Moonshine Jungle Tour, on selected dates.^[68] On 20 May, Goulding announced she would embark on a seven-date tour in the UK during October that year.^[69] On 28 May, Goulding's cover of Alt-J's song "Tessellate" was released.^[70] She had also been reported to film its music video in Paris earlier that month, claiming to be "making a video for a song that isn't on my record".^[71] In June, she performed at previous festivals and concerts including RockNess festival in Inverness,^[72] Capital FM Summertime Ball,^[73] and Firefly Music Festival at the Woodlands in Dover, Delaware.^[74] On 2 July, Goulding premiered a song titled "You My Everything" in the first episode of Skins Fire^[75] and confirmed to Elle magazine that same day that Halcyon would be re-released later that year.^[76] On 5 July, Digital Spy confirmed the release of Halcyon Days, a repackaged edition of Halcyon, released on 23 August.^[77] The re-release, featuring ten additional tracks, was preceded by the single "Burn", which had been uploaded to Goulding's SoundCloud the previous day.^[78] On 7 July, the official music video for "Burn" premiered on Goulding's Vevo channel.^[79] It became Goulding's first single to top the UK Singles Chart.^[80] Goulding performed at V Festival Chelmsford when news of her first UK No. 1 broke; English singer Rita Ora surprised Goulding with her Official Number 1 Award.^[81] On 9 September, Goulding released a music video for "How Long Will I Love You" for the film About Time.^[82] She appeared on the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire with the track "Mirror".^[83] On 15 October, 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.^[84] On the same day, the Active Child song "Silhouette", on which Goulding features, was also released.^[85] On 28 October, 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.^[86] On the final episode of The X Factor on 14 December, Goulding performed a duet with finalist Luke Friend.^[87]

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.^[88] On 22 January, she confirmed through her Facebook page that she had contributed the song "Beating Heart" to the soundtrack for the film Divergent.^[89] On 3 February, Goulding released a cover of James Blake's song, "Life Round Here", featuring rapper Angel Haze through her SoundCloud page.^[90] On 19 February, Goulding won Best British Female Solo Artist at the 2014 Brit Awards.^[91] On 20 October, she stated via Facebook that she would appear on the new Harris' album, Motion, with a new song called "Outside". It was released as the album's fourth single same day.^[92] Goulding also featured in Australian rapper Iggy Azalea's song "Heavy Crown", released on 21 November for Azalea's reissue album, Reclassified.^[93]

2015–2016: Delirium and subsequent hiatus

In November 2014, Goulding announced that she had done "some stuff" for Drake's fourth album Views (2016), who sampled her song.^[94] In early 2015, Goulding released "Love Me Like You Do" featured in the soundtrack to the film Fifty Shades of Grey.^[95] Its music video was released through her YouTube channel on 22 January,^[96] which preceded an official release date of 15 February.^[97] The single has been a commercial success,^[98] spending four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart^[99] and topping the charts in other nations including Australia,^[100] New Zealand,^[101] and Germany.^[102] It also reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[34] The song 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).^[103] On 7 December, "Love Me like You Do" earned Goulding a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.^[104] 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.^[105]

Goulding starred in the music video for Taylor Swift's song "Bad Blood", released in May 2015.^[106] She also appeared on the Major Lazer's album Peace Is the Mission, on the track "Powerful", alongside Tarrus Riley. It was released together with the album on 1 June and its preview was revealed on 23 April.^[107] Having finished recording new material on 27 July, Goulding tweeted a link to Instagram post of her leaving Abbey Road Studios captioned, "That's a wrap!".^[108] On 5 August, at the iHeartRadio Music Summit, Interscope unveiled the title of Goulding's new single, "On My Mind".^[109] On 7 September, 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.^[110] On 17 September, she debuted the lead single "On My Mind" on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show,^[111] announcing that her then-upcoming third album, Delirium, would be released on 6 November.^[112] Goulding subsequently performed "On My Mind" at the Apple Music Festival later that week.^[113][114] She also appeared on the Australian X Factor in October where she performed "On My Mind".^[115]

On 15 October 2015, it was announced that "Army" would serve as the second official single from the album;^[116] its music video was later released on 14 January 2016.^[117] Third single, "Something in the Way You Move" was first released as a promotional single from the album on 9 October 2015.^[118] It was then released on 19 January 2016,^[119] and its original music video was released on 23 February.^[120] An althernate music video, directed by Emil Nava, was released on 21 June 2017.^[121]

2016–2019: Hiatus and single releases

On 19 August 2016, Goulding 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.^[122][123] It received moderate commercial success worldwide, managing to reach number 11 in the UK.^[16] 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.^[124][125] 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.^[126][127] Her first stand-alone release was a collaboration with Kygo, which she previously premiered at the opening of the Mawazine Festival. The single, "First Time", was released on 28 April.^[128]

In 2018, Goulding joined Tap Management after almost a decade with First Access Management.^[129] She appeared on a collaboration with Sean Paul on his Mad Love the Prequel EP titled "Bad Love", released on 29 June.^[130] She also collaborated with Diplo and Swae Lee on the single "Close to Me", released on 24 October.^[131]

On 1 January 2019, The Guardian reported that she had been working on her fourth album, set to be released in the same year.^[132] On 1 March, she released the next single, "Flux".^[133] Regarding the album, she stated: "It's very much written by me".^[134] On 12 April, Goulding released the single "Sixteen".^[135] 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."^[136] She released "Hate Me" with American rapper Juice Wrld on 26 June.^[137] It was premiered by Zane Lowe as his World Record on Beats 1.^[138] 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".^[139] In November, she released her rendition of Joni Mitchell's Christmas song "River"; it topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming her third UK number one single and the last UK number one song of the 2010s.^[140]

2020–2021: Return and Brightest Blue

In 2020, Goulding came back out of her hiatus and started teasing her next release.^{[citation needed]} On 13 March 2020, she released the single "Worry About Me", which was created in-collaboration with Blackbear.^[141] 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."^[142] On 21 May, she released a single "Power",^[143] and on 30 June, she released "Slow Grenade" with Lauv.^[144][145]

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 Albums Chart, becoming Goulding's third album to do so,^[146] as well as at No. 2 in Scotland.^[147] It reached the top 10 in Ireland^[148] and the top 40 in over ten countries including Australia, Germany and the United States. Brightest Blue also spawned hit single "Hate Me", which set a record for Goulding to have the most charted songs of any female singer on the Hot 100.^[149]

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.^[150] On 21 January, she released a collaboration with electronic duo Silk City, titled "New Love".^[151] On 30 September, Goulding performed "Anything Could Happen" as part of the opening ceremony for Expo 2020, held in Dubai.^[152]

2022–2023: Higher Than Heaven and "Miracle"

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.^[153] 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".^[154] On 4 July 2022, she announced the release of "Easy Lover" featuring Big Sean, which was released on 15 July.^[155] The single did not enter the UK Singles Top 100, but peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart Top 100.^[156] It was followed by "All by Myself", a collaboration between Goulding and producers Alok and Sigala, on 7 October.^[157] 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.^[158][159] It was delayed multiple times and released on 7 April 2023.^[160]

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.^[161] 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.^[162] 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.^{[163][164][165]} Meanwhile, "Miracle" stayed atop the chart for eight non-consecutive weeks, becoming Goulding's longest-running number-one to date.^[166][167] With "Miracle", Goulding earned her second Grammy nomination for Best Pop Dance Recording, and a Brit Award nomination for Song of the Year.^[168][169] As of 26 July 2024 the single is certified two-time platinum by the BPI.^[170]

On 22 March 2023, Goulding released the single "By the End of the Night".^[171][172] On 3 May Goulding was presented by the BPI with the prestigious BRIT Billion Award.^[173]

On 14 September, Goulding released the single "Somebody", in collaboration with TSHA and Gregory Porter.^[174][175] 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".^[176]

2024–present: Collaborations and upcoming music

On 18 April 2024, Goulding surprise released 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.^[177] 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.^[178] On 30 April Goulding shared that she was working with producer Jack Rochon for her sixth studio album via her Instagram stories.^[179]

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.^[180] On 19 July the date of release, the title and artwork of the single were announced by Harris.^[181] On 25 July the duo performed the single for the first time live in Ibiza.^[182] On 26 July the music duo released their fourth collaboration "Free".^[183][184] Goulding provided the lead vocals for Starsmith's comeback single, "Leave Me Slowly", which was released on 16 August.^{[185][186][187]}

On 8 May 2024, Four Tet teased a new single with Goulding on his social media, titled "In My Dreams".^[188] It marks their fifth collaboration and first since the Grammy-nominated remix of "Easy Lover".^[189] The single was released on 9 September 2024.^[190][191] On 7 October DJ Hugel teased an upcoming remix of his hit single "I Adore You" with Goulding and J Balvin.^[192] Goulding and Balvin's remix of the song was officially released on 15 November.^[193] On 2 December, 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 revealed that her sixth studio album would be "very personal", and stated that she has a classical album set to be released.^[194][195] On 29 December Goulding joined DJ and producer Anyma as a surprise guest to perform on his Sphere residency in Las Vegas to debut an unreleased song, titled "Hypnotized".^[196][197] The song was released on 10 January 2025 to widespread critical acclaim, with Goulding's vocal performance achieving unanimous praise by music critics.^[198][199] On 29 April, it was announced that Goulding would serve as the narrator, and music composer, alongside Jim Fairfield, of environmental documentary Bee Wild, directed by Rebecca and Josh Tickell.^[200] The documentary premiered on 5 June at the SXSW London film festival.^[200][201] On 6 June Goulding collaborated with DJs Marshmello and AVAION on the House single "Save My Love" which was met with favourable reviews.^[202][203] On 10 June, it was announced that Goulding will contribute with the closing theme song for the dark fantasy anime series Clevatess, with the original song "Destiny",^[204][205] which was later released as a single on 12 November.^[206] On 27 June, she performed her cover of "Your Song" at the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy.^[207][208]

On 4 February 2026, Goulding joined Halsey on the Back to Badlands Tour to perform "Starry Eyed" at the O2 Academy Brixton.^[209] On 6 February, Goulding was featured on the track "Don't Want Your Love" from DJ Illenium's sixth studio album, Odyssey.^[210]

Influences

Goulding has listed musicians such as Joni Mitchell (left) and Björk (right) as her influences.

Goulding has listed Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Björk as influences, as well as contemporaries such as Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Burial, Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, and Rihanna.^{[211][212][213][214][215][216]} She also expressed admiration for rappers Kanye West, Drake and Nicki Minaj.^[217]

Musical style

Goulding's music has been described as electropop,^[218][219] synthpop,^[220] indie pop^[221] and folktronica.^[222][223] Her musical style has been compared to the likes of Kate Nash, Lykke Li and Tracey Thorn.^[224]

Goulding's debut album Lights experiments with genres including indie pop, synthpop, folktronica and indietronica. It also contains "sparkling pop with a folky heart and an electronic edge" and was noted by Camilla Pia of The Fly as being infectious.^[225] According to The Independent's Andy Gill, the album incorporates "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".^[226] The second album, Halcyon, 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.^[227] Its re-issue, Halcyon Days, which features ten new songs, marked Goulding's return to electropop. She spoke in an interview with Elle 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."^[228]

Goulding's third studio album Delirium marked a shift to a more maximalist sound.^[229] Rooted in pop music, it incorporated genres such as electropop, synthpop, dance, R&B, and folk-pop.^[230] It divided music critics and fans alike, with critics praising its production but finding that its lyrics lacked personality in comparison to her previous albums.^[231][232] Goulding's fourth studio album, Brightest Blue, is divided in two sides; the first side, which was described as recapturing the "simplicity" and "vulnerability" of her first two records, experiments with genres such as R&B, soul and electropop.^[233] Meanwhile, the second side EG.0 incorporates influences from music genres like hip-hop and dance.^[234] Higher Than Heaven, fifth album by Goulding, is primarily a dance-pop and nu-disco record with elements of synthpop, R&B and EDM.^[235][236]

Voice

Goulding is a soprano^{[237][238][239]} and is noted for her high piercing vibrato, breathy tone and emotive delivery.^{[240][241][242]} 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".^[243] 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.^[244]

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.^[245] 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".^[239]

During the 2020s, critics became more appreciative of Goulding's voice, with many noticing its enduring quality and describing her vocals as ethereal.^{[246][247][203]} In her review of Higher Than Heaven, Katie Bain from Billboard called her "one of dance music's most important and enduring voices".^[248] Similarly, In their review of "In My Dreams", Oculate UK praised Goulding's voice as it "remains one of pop's most recognisable", while Jordi Bardají of Jenesaispop in his review of "Hypnotized", said that Goulding's ethereal voice fits in EDM productions like a glove.^[249][250]

Impact

Goulding has received praise and admiration from fellow peers. Some artists that have spoken highly about the singer include Halsey,^[251] Bridgit Mendler,^[252] Lauv,^[253] Becky Hill,^[254] Camila Cabello,^[255] Normani,^[256] Lil Nas X,^[257] Alex James of Blur,^[258] Chappell Roan,^[259] St. Lucia,^[260] Nina Nesbitt,^[261] Ally Brooke,^[262] Bunt,^[263] Taylor Swift,^[264] Aaron Paul,^[265] Greyson Chance,^[266] Sadie Jean,^[267] DJ Fresh,^[268] Olivia Lunny,^[269] Rhea Raj,^[270] Illenium,^[271] Bright Light Bright Light,^[272] Calvin Harris,^[273] Selena Gomez,^[274] and Lorde.^[275]

Halsey expressed admiration for Goulding, calling her "an absolute trailblazer in this [music] industry", and acknowledged her as one of the artists she "looked up to" early in her career before introducing her as a special guest on her Back to Badlands Tour.^[209][276] James praised Goulding's authenticity: "Love her songs. She's the real deal in a world of bogus pop pretenders."^[277][258] He also included Halcyon Days in Blur's favourites albums of all-time on iTunes.^[278][279] Harris, a frequent collaborator of Goulding, spoke in an interview with Dork 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!".^[280] Lorde stated in an interview with Clash that she would "love to write for – or with – Ellie Goulding, actually."^[281] Swift praised Goulding's 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."^[282] Roan mentioned Goulding in an interview with PopCrave as one of the inspirations that influenced her early music.^[259] 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."^[274]

Relationships and children

She dated English radio DJ Greg James in 2010. Their relationship ended in 2012 after 18 months together.^[283] 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.^[284] Goulding later was in a relationship with actor Jeremy Irvine. They broke up in August 2013.^[285] Goulding was in a relationship with Dougie Poynter of McFly between 2014 and 2016.^[286]

On 7 August 2018, Goulding and her boyfriend Caspar Jopling announced their engagement.^[287] The couple were married at York Minster on 31 August 2019,^[288][289] and Goulding was baptised in the Church of England in order to get married.^[290] Jopling is the grandson of former Conservative MP Michael Jopling, Baron Jopling.^[291] In February 2021, Goulding announced that she and Jopling were expecting their first child.^[292] She gave birth to a son in April 2021.^[293][294] In February 2024, Goulding and Jopling announced their separation.^[295][296] Following the separation, she began dating American actor Beau Minniear, who appeared in the music video for "Destiny" (2025).^[297] In December 2025, she revealed that she was expecting her second child and first with Minniear.^[298][299] Goulding gave birth to their daughter on 6 March 2026.^[300]

Goulding's best friend and personal assistant is Hannah Lowe; the 2015 song "Army" was dedicated to Lowe.^[301] On Michael McIntyre's Big Show, she revealed that she is also close friends with Princess Beatrice of York.^[302]

Health

Goulding ran the inaugural Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. on 28 April 2013, earning a time of 1:41:35.^[303][304] She has spoken several times about her ongoing experiences with mental health conditions,^[305][306] which includes struggles with a chronic anxiety disorder, panic attacks, imposter syndrome, and post-natal depression.^{[307][308][309]}

In 2016, she spoke to Flare about suffering panic attacks caused by the studio environment that prevented her from working, and going to cognitive behavioural therapy sessions for the first time.^[311] In 2017, she discussed in an interview with Well+Good, her ongoing confidence issues and severe anxiety she had experienced.^[127] In 2019, a week after the World Mental Health Day, Goulding used her Instagram 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.^[307] She also revealed that her grandfather committed suicide "a few years ago".^[307][312] 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.^[313] Goulding credits her approach to the natural environment, having a fitness regime, and kickboxing as ways that helped her overcome panic attacks and anxiety.^{[314][315][316]} Goulding also formerly followed a plant-based diet.^[317]

Social issues

In 2010, Goulding participated in the Bupa Great North Run for the British Heart Foundation.^[344] In 2011, Goulding ran the She Runs LA event for charity Students Run LA, which aims to increase access to sport for less privileged children across the Los Angeles Unified School District.^[345]

In 2012, she partnered with Pandora Radio, one dollar for each sale of her mixtape was donated to the Free the Children charity.^[346] 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.^[347]

Goulding is also a supporter for helping the homeless. Goulding has frequently contributed to the BBC's annual charity telethon Children in Need in the UK.^[348] In 2013, Goulding's track "How Long Will I Love You" was the official single for the 2013 Children in Need campaign.^[348] 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.^[349][350] 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."^[351] 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.^[341]

Environment

On 15 November 2014, Goulding joined the charity group Band Aid 30 along with other British and Irish pop acts, recording a new version of the track "Do They Know It's Christmas?" at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, to raise money for the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa.^[352] In 2016, Goulding used her platform to champion environmental causes, which includes working with organisations like the World Wildlife Fund.^[353][354] During the 2016 Earth 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.^[354]

In 2018, Goulding joined the United Nations Foundation as a Global Ambassador.^[355] In April 2019, Goulding and American musician Steven Price created an original song titled "In This Together" for David Attenborough's environmental documentary series Our Planet.^[356] 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.^[357] In 2022, Goulding called out then-Prime Minister Liz Truss on Twitter, urging her to take a serious stance on the climate crisis.^[358] In 2023, Goulding decided that her next album would feature eco-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.^[359]

After seven years, Goulding stepped down from her role as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme in 2024.^[360]

LGBTQ+ community

Goulding has a strong following within the LGBTQ+ community, and has consistently demonstrated allyship through public advocacy for their rights.^{[362][363][364][365]} In 2014, Goulding was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics but declined, following singer Cher's decision to boycott the event in protest of Vladimir Putin's anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Russia, stating: "I immediately said no." about the offer.^{[366][367][368][369]} In June 2016, during her Delirium World Tour performance in North Carolina, Goulding displayed a pride flag as a form of protest against the state's 'bathroom bill' (HB2), which restricted the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.^[343]

In November 2019, Goulding was set to perform at the Dallas Cowboys' halftime show, launching the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign.^[370] After sharing photos of herself volunteering, fans raised concerns about the organisation's history of anti-LGBTQ+ policies.^[371] 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."^[372][373] 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.^[374] Following this exchange, Goulding agreed to proceed with the performance.^[375] The backlash renewed attention to longstanding criticism of the Salvation Army's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.^[376]

In 2022, at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, Goulding urged fellow allies to 'step up' and use their platforms to support, and protect the LGBTQ community, placing particular emphasis on transgender individuals in light of the "exhausting" rising number of targeted attacks and growing hostility toward the trans community.^[377][378]

In May 2025, Goulding was among the musicians who signed an open letter pledging "solidarity with the trans, non-binary and intersex communities" and condemning the April 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the definition of woman in the Equality Act and subsequent EHRC guidance.^[379][380]

Served cocktails

Goulding acquired a significant stake in premium British hard seltzer brand, Served (stylised in all caps), for an undisclosed sum in June 2021.^[381]

In July 2022, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a series of Facebook posts from Goulding promoting Served hard seltzer. Goulding's posts claimed that the drink was low in calories and contained no sugar, which the ASA ruled were not permitted nutrition claims for alcohol products.^[382] 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".^[383] Later that year, Served launched a series of Ready to Drink cocktails, including Mojito, Passion Fruit Martini, and Piña Colada flavours.^[384] In September, Goulding announced that Heineken UK had acquired a significant minority stake in Served.^[385][386]

MAC cosmetics

In 2015, Goulding and MAC cosmetics announced their first collaboration,^[387] 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".^[388] The set of products were made available in January 2016, and each cosmetics was named after a song from Goulding's discography.^[389] As of May 2017, Goulding's collection is included among the best-selling MAC collaborations of all time, placing at number sixteen.^[390]

Everystate supplements

In 2025, Goulding partnered with wellness executive Gemma Feare, and nutrition entrepreneur Jonathan Relph, launching Everystate (stylised as every•state),^[391] a wellness company which develops mushroom supplements.^[392][393] According to press release, the supplements will help to relax, have mental health clarity, and better skin.^[394][395]

Endorsements

Goulding contributed her vocals to an advert for the British department store chain John Lewis in 2010.^[396] 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.^[397][398] 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.^[399]

Goulding is endorsing the Swiss shampoo Pantene Pro-V on television and on the official Pantene website under the tagline "Strong Is Beautiful".^[400] The campaign has been running since 21 March 2016.^[401] Goulding starred and performed "What the World Needs Now" on a new advert for People's Postcode Lottery 2024 campaign, which thanks its players for helping to raise money for many charities in the UK.^[402][403]

As a musician

Goulding has won several awards during her music career.^[404] She has also been nominated for numerous major music awards.^[405][406] She was honoured with the Variety Hitmakers Decade Award in 2019, after ten years of consistent work as a hitmaker,^[407] with Goulding stating: "It's probably the first time I've really been acknowledged for this work".^[408] 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.^{[409][410][411]} Meanwhile, in recognition as a songwriter she was presented with the BMI President's Award at the 2022 BMI London Awards ceremony.^[412] Goulding was awarded with the Praeses Elit Award from Trinity College Dublin, given to those who have left an impact in their respective fields, in 2023.^[413]

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 the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, when "Love Me like You Do" dethroned "Outside".^[414] Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" also broke the record for the most-streamed track in a week on Spotify, surpassing "Uptown Funk".^[415][416] 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.^[417] Billboard ranked her as one of the most successful artists of the 2010s decade.^[418][419] Billboard also ranked Goulding as the 62nd biggest female artist of the 21st century in March 2025.^[420] 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.^[421] Goulding's cover "River" was the final number-one single of the 2010s in the United Kingdom.^[422] 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.^[423]

She has sold more than 27 million albums and 216 million singles and amassed 43 billion streams worldwide,^[424] making her one of the most successful British female singers of the 21st century.^[425][426]

As an activist

For her support to the LGBTQ+ community, Goulding has been honoured with the Ally Award (2022) by the Attitude Awards,^[427] the Celebrity Ally (2019) by British LGBT Awards, and a nomination in the same category at the 2022 ceremony.^[428][429]

For her constant activism on climate 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. She was also 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.^[355] Goulding was honoured at the Time 100 Impact Awards with the Impact Award in recognition of her longstanding work toward advancing climate change awareness, in 2022.^[430][431] In 2024, Goulding was presented as the eleventh recipient of the Perfect World Foundation Award, becoming the first musician to be recognised with the Conservationist of the Year title, by the environmental organisation.^[432][433] She was also awarded with the Impact Award by the Playing For Change Foundation for her work as an artist and philanthropist, that same year.^[338] In 2025, Goulding was appointed by King Charles III as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on the 2026 New Year Honours list, for her services to 'Biodiversity and the Climate'.^{[434][435][436]}

Headlining

• The Lights Tour (2010)
• The Halcyon Days Tour (2012–14)
• Delirium World Tour (2016–17)
• Brightest Blue Tour (2021)^[437]
• Higher Than Heaven Tour (2023)

Supporting

• Katy Perry – California Dreams Tour (2011)
• Bruno Mars – Moonshine Jungle Tour (2013)
• Opening Ceremony of Expo 2020 (2021)
• Opening Ceremony of Top of the Mountain (2024)

Books

• Fitter. Calmer. Stronger. (2021)^[439]

Authored articles

• Goulding, Elena (2 December 2020). "The start of a conversation". Medium.
• Goulding, Ellie (25 April 2022). "Introducing Marie Claire UK's Guest Editor: Ellie Goulding". Marie Claire.
• Goulding, Ellie (25 April 2022). "Motherhood changes everything". Marie Claire.
• Goulding, Ellie (25 April 2022). "These are the women who shaped me". Marie Claire.
• Goulding, Ellie (24 October 2023). "My journey to the Amazon confirmed we have every reason to worry". The Independent.
• Goulding, Ellie (15 December 2023). "I Attended COP28 – And There's Still Hope". Marie Claire.
• Goulding, Ellie (31 October 2024). "Depletion of nature is shocking — we have to take action now". The Times.
• Goulding, Ellie (2 October 2025). "There's 'No Prosperity on a Dead Planet'". Rolling Stone.