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Elena Jane Goulding ( ; born 30 December 1986) is an English singer, songwriter, and activist. Born in Hereford and raised in Lyonshall, Goulding began writing songs at the age of 15. She released her debut single "Under the Sheets" through Neon Gold Records in 2009, and signed with Polydor Records that same year, releasing her debut extended play (EP) An Introduction to Ellie Goulding. Her debut studio album, Lights (2010), debuted at on the UK Albums Chart, and was reissued as Bright Lights, spawning three successful singles: a cover of Elton John's "Your Song", "Starry Eyed" and "Lights".
Goulding's second studio album, Halcyon (2012), was preceded by its lead single "Anything Could Happen", and a repackaged edition titled Halcyon Days (2013) produced the single "Burn", which became her first single in the UK. She then collaborated with DJ Calvin Harris on two singles: "I Need Your Love" and "Outside". After the release of her third studio album Delirium (2015) and its lead single "On My Mind", Goulding received a Grammy Award nomination for her single "Love Me Like You Do", which was recorded for the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).
Goulding took a hiatus from 2016 to 2020, struggling with an anxiety disorder and media scrutiny over false claims about her personal life. 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". She reunited with Harris on the single "Miracle", which spent eight non-consecutive weeks at No.1 on the UK Singles Chart in 2023. 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.
Goulding is the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Brit Awards, a Brit Billion Award, a Billboard Music Award, 17 BMI London Awards, and two Grammy Awards nominations. She was honoured with a Decade Award by the Variety Hitmakers Awards in recognition of a decade of "undeniable hits" and TIME100 honoured her with the Impact Award for using her platform to protect the environment. She has sold more than 27 million albums and 216 million singles, and amassed 43 billion streams worldwide, making her one of the most successful British female singers of the 21st century.
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 three with "A" grades but failed music. After enrolling on a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Kent, 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.
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. She also won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards, making her the second artist to win both in the same year. 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. Her song "Not Following" was used by German singer Lena on her debut album My Cassette Player. 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 on the UK Albums Chart and on the Irish Albums Chart. Its singles "Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses", and "The Writer" peaked at , 26, and 19. As of June 2012, the album had sold over 850,000 copies in the UK and 1.6 million copies worldwide. 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. 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. 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 on the UK Singles Chart. It also charted in some European countries. In January 2011, it was announced that the title track from Lights would serve as the second single from Bright Lights. "Lights" reached on the UK Singles Chart, while becoming Goulding's first song to chart in the United States, as well as her highest-charting song to date, peaking at on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2012.
Goulding toured in support of Lights and supported Passion Pit in March 2010 and John Mayer during his British tour in May 2010. During the summer she performed at a number of festivals. On 29 May she performed at the Dot to Dot Festival in Bristol. She performed a set on 25 June at the Glastonbury Festival 2010 on the John Peel Stage. Her third EP was a live recording of part of her set at the iTunes Festival 2010. The whole set was ultimately included as bonus content on the iTunes version of Bright Lights. She made her T in the Park debut on 11 July. In early 2011, she recorded an original song for the film Life in a Day. Ellie Goulding was on Rolling Stones annual hot list in February 2011. 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.
In April 2011, Goulding played live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. She also made her American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 7 April 2011 performing "Starry Eyed". She appeared as the musical guest on the 700th episode of the Saturday Night Live, broadcast 7 May 2011 and hosted by Tina Fey. She performed at the wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011, and performed what she recalled as "about 14 songs", including her cover of "Your Song".
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 She headlined the 2011 Wakestock Festival in Wales, performing on 8 July. In August, she performed at the V Festival for her second year in a row. 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. On 6 August 2011, she performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago. 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. 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.
Goulding contributed a track titled "Bittersweet" (produced by Skrillex) to the soundtrack of , released on 13 November 2012. 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. On 20 May 2013, Goulding announced she would embark on a seven-date tour in the UK during October that year. On 28 May 2013, Goulding's cover of Alt-J's song "Tessellate" was released via her SoundCloud page. 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". 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 and that same day Goulding confirmed to Elle magazine that Halcyon would be re-released later that year.
On 5 July 2013, Digital Spy confirmed the release of Halcyon Days, a repackaged edition of Halcyon, which was released on 23 August 2013. 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. 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. Goulding was performing at V Festival Chelmsford when news of her first UK broke; Rita Ora surprised Goulding with her Official Number 1 Award. On 9 September 2013, Goulding released a music video for "How Long Will I Love You" for the film About Time. Goulding appeared on the soundtrack for the film 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. On the same day, the Active Child song "Silhouette", on which Goulding features, was also released. 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. On the final episode of The X Factor on 14 December, Goulding performed a duet with finalist Luke Friend.
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. 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. On 3 February 2014, Goulding released a cover of the James Blake song "Life Round Here" featuring rapper Angel Haze through her SoundCloud page. On 19 February, Goulding won Best British Female Solo Artist at the 2014 Brit Awards. 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. "Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding Cope With Imploding Relationships in 'Outside' Video" . Billboard. Retrieved 29 July 2015 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.
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. "Major Lazer's 'Powerful' Partners Ellie Goulding With Reggae Singer Tarrus Riley" . Billboard. Retrieved 29 July 2015 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!". "Ellie Goulding snap keeps Bond Spectre fans guessing about soundtrack". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 29 July 2015 On 5 August 2015 at the iHeartRadio Music Summit, Interscope unveiled the title of Goulding's new single, "On My Mind". 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. 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.
Goulding also appeared on the Australian X Factor on 6 October where she performed "On My Mind". 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. Third single, "Something in the Way You Move" was first released as a promotional single from the album on 9 October 2015. It was then released on 19 January 2016, its original music video was released on 23 February 2016 and other music video directed by Emil Nava was released on 21 June 2017.
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.
Her first stand-alone release was a collaboration with Kygo, which she previously premiered at the opening of the Mawazine Festival. The single titled, "First Time", was released on 28 April 2017.
In 2018, Goulding joined Tap Management after almost a decade with First Access Management. She appeared on a collaboration with Sean Paul on his Mad Love the Prequel EP titled "Bad Love", released on 29 June 2018.
Goulding collaborated with Diplo and Swae Lee on the single "Close to Me", which was released on 24 October 2018. On 1 January 2019, The Guardian reported that she has been working on her fourth album, set to release in the same year. On 1 March, she released the next single "Flux". She said regarding the album, "It's very much written by me".
On 12 April 2019, Goulding released the single "Sixteen". 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."
Goulding released "Hate Me" with American rapper Juice Wrld on 26 June 2019. Non-loginwalled link at bibliogram.pussthecat.org It was premiered by Zane Lowe as his 'World Record' on Beats 1. 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". 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.
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, as well as at No. 2 in Scotland. It reached the top 10 in Ireland 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. On 21 January, she released a collaboration with electronic duo Silk City, titled "New Love". On 30 September, Goulding performed "Anything Could Happen" as part of the opening ceremony for Expo 2020, held in Dubai.
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. 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. 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. Meanwhile, "Miracle" stayed atop the chart for eight non-consecutive weeks, becoming Goulding's longest-running number-one to date. With "Miracle", Goulding earned her second Grammy Awards nomination for Best Pop Dance Recording, and a Brit Awards nomination for Song of the Year. As of July 26, 2024, the single is certified two-time platinum by the BPI.
On 22 March 2023, Goulding released the single "By the End of the Night". On May 3, Goulding was presented by the British Phonographic Industry with the prestigious BRIT Billion Award.
On 14 September, Goulding released the single "Somebody", in collaboration with TSHA and Gregory Porter. 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".
After the immense success of their third collaboration, Goulding and Harris hinted the possibility of working together again. On July 9, Harris teased his new collaboration with Goulding in Ibiza. On July 19, the date of release, the title and artwork of the single were announced by Harris. On July 25, the duo performed the single for the first time live in Ibiza. On July 26, the music duo released their fourth collaboration "Free". Goulding provided the lead vocals for Starsmith's comeback single, "Leave Me Slowly", which was released on August 16.
On 8 May 2024, Four Tet teased a new single with Goulding on his social media, titled "In My Dreams". It marks their fifth collaboration and first since the Grammy-nominated remix of "Easy Lover". The single was released on 9 September 2024. On October 7, DJ Hugel teased an upcoming remix of his hit single "I Adore You" with Goulding and J Balvin. Goulding and Balvin's remix of the song was officially released on November 15. 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 revealed that her sixth studio album would be "very personal", and stated that she has a classical album set to be released. On December 29, 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". The song was released on 10 January 2025 to widespread critical acclaim, with Goulding's vocal performance achieving unanimous praise by Music journalism.
On April 29, it was announced that Goulding will serve as the narrator, and music composer, alongside Jim Fairfield, of environmental documentary Bee Wild, directed by Rebecca and Josh Tickell. The documentary premiered on June 5, at the SXSW London film festival. On June 6, Goulding collaborated with DJs Marshmello and AVAION on the House music single "Save My Love" which was met with favourable reviews. On June 10, it was announced that Goulding will contribute with the closing theme song for the dark fantasy anime series Clevatess, with the original song "Destiny", which will be released on September.
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". During an interview with Carson Daly, Goulding described her own voice saying;
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. 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".
During the 2020s, critics became more appreciative of Goulding's voice, with many noticing its enduring quality and describing her vocals as ethereal. In her review of Higher Than Heaven, Katie Bain from Billboard called her “one of dance music’s most important and enduring voices”. Similarly, In their review of "In My Dreams", Oculate UK praised Goulding's voice as it "remains one of Pop music’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.
Goulding has listed Joni 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. She also expressed admiration for rappers Kanye West, Drake and Nicki Minaj. Goulding's musical style has been compared to the likes of Kate Nash, Lykke Li and Tracey Thorn.
Goulding's debut album Lights (2010) experimented with genres including indie pop, synthpop, folktronica and indietronica. The album contained "sparkling pop with a Folk music heart and an Electronic music edge" and was noted as being infectious. 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". 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. Its re-issue Halcyon Days (2013), which features ten new songs, marked Goulding's return to electropop. Goulding 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." 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. The album divided Music journalism 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. Rooted in Pop music, Delirium experimented with genres such as electropop, synthpop, Dance music, R&B, and folk-pop. 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 music and electropop. Meanwhile, the second side EG.0, incorporates influences from music genres like Hip-hop and dance. 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.
Goulding has received praise and admiration from fellow peers. Some artists that have spoken highly about the singer includes: Halsey, Bridgit Mendler, Lauv, Camila Cabello, Normani, Lil Nas X, Alex James of Blur, Chappell Roan, Ally Brooke, BUNT., Taylor Swift, Aaron Paul, DJ Fresh, Olivia Lunny, Rhea Raj, Calvin Harris, Selena Gomez, and Lorde.
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." 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." English bassist Alex James, member of the Rock music band Blur, praised Goulding authenticity: "Love her songs. She's the real deal in a world of bogus pop pretenders." James also included Halcyon Days in Blur's favourites albums of all-time on iTunes. New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde stated in an interview with Clash Magazine that she would "love to write for – or with – Ellie Goulding, actually." American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan mentioned Goulding in an interview with Pop Crave, as one of the musical inspirations that influenced her early music. 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!”.
On 7 August 2018, Goulding and her boyfriend Caspar Jopling announced their engagement. The couple were married at York Minster on 31 August 2019, and Goulding was baptism in the Church of England in order to get married. Jopling is the grandson of former Conservative MP Michael Jopling. In February 2021, Goulding announced that she and Jopling were expecting their first child. She gave birth to a son in April 2021. In February 2024, Goulding and Jopling announced their separation.
Goulding's best friend and personal assistant is Hannah Suzanne Lowe; the song "Army" was dedicated to Lowe and to Goulding's fans. On Michael McIntyre's Big Show, she revealed that she is also close friends with Princess Beatrice of York.
Goulding has spoken several times about her ongoing experiences with mental health conditions, which includes struggles with a chronic anxiety disorder, , imposter syndrome, and post-natal depression.
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. In 2017, she discussed in an interview with Well+Good, her ongoing confidence issues and severe anxiety she had experienced. 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. She also revealed that her grandfather committed suicide "a few years ago". 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. Goulding credits her approach to the natural environment, having a fitness regime, and kickboxing as ways that helped her overcome panic attacks and anxiety.
Goulding formerly followed a plant-based diet.Murphy, Nichola. (2020). "Ellie Goulding makes shocking confession about avoiding this food since her honeymoon". Hello!. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
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. 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. 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."
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, 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. Goulding also opened up about becoming a "Paranoia" after being constantly stalked "over, and over" by an older man, as well having to deal with a male paparazzi with "a long Camera lens wrapped on a towel". She concluded her statement saying that she "never asked for this level of intrusion". Goulding confirmed on her Twitter account that she knows the identity of her stalker.
Despite keeping a low profile on social medias, Goulding became a victim of trolling on the internet, mainly after a Parody, Fake Showbiz News, used the singer as a vessel for fake quotes on Twitter, which quickly become a Meme trend on the internet with several users creating their own fake quotes of Goulding. Goulding has acknowledged the trend and played along with it.
In 2012, she partnered with Pandora Radio, one dollar for each sale of her mixtape was donated to the Free the Children charity. 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. is also a supporter for helping the homelessness. Goulding has frequently contributed to the BBC's annual charity telethon Children in Need in the UK. In 2013, Goulding's track "How Long Will I Love You" was the official single for the 2013 Children in Need campaign. 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. 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." 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.
In 2016, Goulding used her platform to champion environmental causes, which includes working with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund. 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.
In 2018, Goulding joined the United Nations Foundation as a Global Ambassador. 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. 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. In 2022, Goulding called out then-Prime Minister Liz Truss on Twitter, urging her to take a serious stance on the climate crisis. 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.
After seven years, Goulding stepped down from her role as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme in 2024.
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. 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.
In November 2019, Goulding was set to perform at the Dallas Cowboys’ halftime show, launching the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle campaign. After sharing photos of herself volunteering, fans raised concerns about the organization’s history of anti-LGBTQ+ policies. 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.” 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. Following this exchange, Goulding agreed to proceed with the performance. The backlash renewed attention to longstanding criticism of the Salvation Army's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
in 2022, while accepting the Ally Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, Goulding urged fellow Straight ally to 'step up' and use their platforms to support, and protect the LGBTQ people community, placing particular emphasis on transgender individuals in light of the "exhausting" rising number of targeted attacks and growing hostility toward the trans community.
In May 2025, Goulding was among the musicians who signed an open letter pledging "solidarity with the Transgender, 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.
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.
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. Later that year, SERVED also launched a series of Ready To Drink cocktails, including Mojito, Passion Fruit Martini, and Piña Colada flavours.
In September 2023, Goulding announced that Heineken UK had acquired a significant minority stake in SERVED.
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. The campaign will also focus on advertising throughout social media, including Goulding's own social platforms which have a combined of 30m followers.
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.
Goulding is endorsing the Swiss shampoo Pantene Pro-V on television and on the official Pantene website under the tagline "Strong Is Beautiful". "Strong Is Beautiful" . Pantene.co.uk. This campaign has been running since 21 March 2016. "Ellie Goulding Launches #StrongIsBeautiful with Pantene Pro-V" . Businesswire.co.uk.
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.
She was honoured with the Variety Hitmakers Decade Award, in 2019, after ten years of consistent work as a hitmaker, with Goulding stating: "It's probably the first time I've really been acknowledged for this work ". 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. Meanwhile, in recognition as a songwriter she was presented with the BMI award at the 2022 BMI London Awards ceremony. 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.
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". Goulding's "Love Me Like You Do" also broke the record for the most-streamed track in a week on Spotify, surpassing "Uptown Funk". 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. Billboard ranked her as one of the most successful artists of the 2010s decade. 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. Goulding's cover of Joni Mitchell 'River' was the final number-one single of the 2010s in the United Kingdom. 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 Shirley Bassey in 2023.
For her constant activism on Climate change, 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 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. 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. 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 recognised with 'The Conservationist of the Year' title, by the environmental organisation. She was also awarded with the 'Impact Award' by the Playing For Change Foundation for her work as an artist and philanthropist.
Supporting
| 2011 | Saturday Night Live | Herself | Musical Guest; Tina Fey/Ellie Goulding (season 36) |
| 2012 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | Musical Guest | |
| Conan | Musical Guest; Season 2; Episode 153 | ||
| 2013 | Who Is...? | Featured artist | |
| The Sound Change Live | Guest | ||
| 2014 | The Royal Variety Show | Performer | |
| 2015 | The Voice | Advisor for Team Adam Levine (season 8) | |
| Victoria's Secret Fashion Show | Performer | ||
| 2018 | Sesame Street | Episode: "The Helpful Cloud" | |
| 2020 | Special | ||
| 2022 | The Great Celebrity Bake Off for SU2C | Series 5; Episode 5 | |
| The Royal Variety Show | Performer | ||
| Earthshot Prize | |||
| American Music Awards | Presenter | ||
| 2023 | American Idol | Special guest; Season 21; Episode 20 | |
| The Jennifer Hudson Show | Season 2; Episode 209 | ||
| 2024 | Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve | Performer | |
| The Masked Singer UK | Guest panelist; Episode 5 | ||
| 2013 | Tom & Issy | Issy | Short film |
| 2014 | Ellie Goulding: Healthy Eating on Tour | Herself | Documentary short |
| Lennon or McCartney | Documentary short | ||
| 2015 | Concert film; directed by Scarlett Johansson | ||
| 2017 | Louder Together | Documentary | |
| 2023 | Concert film | ||
| Bee Wild | Post-production; Documentary; Narrator; Composer | ||
| 2020 | Talk Art | Herself | Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling (QuarARTine special episode) |
| 2022 | Crush Hour: A Musical | Ash | Podcast Series; 5 Episodes |
| + Guide | Denotes works that have not yet been released |
During the 2010s, Goulding music was heavily used on films and television series, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Spring Breakers, The Host, Now Is Good, Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, Teen Spirit, Cinderella, Glee, Arrow, Teen Wolf, Gossip Girl, Supergirl, and New Girl. Goulding performed the theme song for American television network The CW. Actresses Elle Fanning covered "Lights" for the film Teen Spirit, Melissa Benoist covered "Anything Could Happen" for the fourteen episode of the four season of Glee, and Raffey Cassidy performed "Burn" for the film The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
According to Billboard magazine, Goulding's music has been sampled numerous times on Hip-Hop/Rap music, among the most notable samples are: Drake and Jay-Z, "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2" (2013) which samples Goulding's track 'Don't Say a Word' (2012); Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa and Chiddy Bang's "High" (2011) which samples "Fighter Plane" (2009); Vic Mensa & Skrillex, "No Chill" (2016) which samples "Explosions" (2012); French Montana's "I Know" (2020) which samples "Starry Eyed" (2010); Lil Baby's "In a Minute" (2022) sampled "Don't Say a Word" (2012); Fivio Foreign's "World Watching" (2022) sampled "Lights" (2011); Future and Metro Boomin "Mile High Memories" (2023) which samples "Hanging On" (2012); and most recently Fuerza Regida's "Tu Sancho" (2025) which samples "Don't Say a Word" (2012).
Portrayals in fiction
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