In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a slew of celebrities declared their support for the running candidates, former President Donald J. Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris. The Republican candidate counted on figures like Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and Jake Paul, while the Democratic candidate racked up a roster of pop stars with some of the country's most powerful fan bases, from Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny. However, even the Beyhive, Swifties, and Little Monsters couldn't get Harris across the finish line on Nov. 5.

Harnessing the Power of Pop Culture Influence

The Perspective of a Pop Culture Enthusiast

Britney Kirwan, a 23-year-old graduate student pursuing a master's degree in advertising at Boston University, offers a unique insight into the role of celebrity endorsements in the 2024 election. As a self-proclaimed "pop culture enthusiast," Kirwan has long been fascinated by the intersection of media, entertainment, and politics.Kirwan's passion for pop culture was instilled from a young age, with her brother choosing her name after the iconic pop star Britney Spears. Growing up, Kirwan immersed herself in the world of entertainment, from watching E! News and TMZ to following the rise of Disney Channel stars like Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. Her love for Taylor Swift, in particular, began in the fourth grade, as she was captivated by the singer's "ethereal" persona and her ability to connect with young fans.While Kirwan no longer considers herself a die-hard Swiftie, she respects the pop star's dedication and hard work, as well as her decision to become more politically vocal during the Trump administration. Kirwan believes that celebrities have the right to express their political views, even if she doesn't always agree with them.

The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements

Mallory Kiley, a 29-year-old graduate student from Winchester, Massachusetts, pursuing a master's degree in Media Science at BU, also weighed in on the impact of celebrity endorsements in the 2024 election. Kiley, a self-described "light Swiftie," believes that celebrity endorsements can foster a sense of community within a fandom, as fans feel a shared connection with their favorite artists' values and political leanings.However, Kiley and Kirwan both agree that a celebrity's endorsement would not sway their own voting decisions. Kirwan, in particular, emphasizes that she takes celebrity political opinions "with a grain of salt," as she believes they are often "out of reality" and don't directly impact their lives.

The Intersection of Art, Values, and Politics

While Kirwan and Kiley may not be swayed by celebrity endorsements, they acknowledge that an artist's values can affect their experience of the art itself. Kirwan, for instance, has found it difficult to enjoy Kanye West's recent music due to his anti-Semitic comments, while Kiley was put off by Katy Perry's decision to work with producer Dr. Luke, who was the subject of sexual assault allegations from pop star Kesha.Both Kirwan and Kiley believe that artists have the right to use their platforms to express their political views, but they don't expect their favorite artists to align with their exact opinions on every issue. Instead, they appreciate when artists take a risk and use their influence to support causes they believe in, even if it means facing backlash or increased scrutiny.

The Lasting Impact of Celebrity Endorsements

While the 2024 presidential election may not have been swayed by the star-studded endorsements of Harris, the role of celebrity influence in the political landscape remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. As Kirwan and Kiley's perspectives illustrate, the intersection of pop culture, personal values, and political engagement is a complex and multifaceted issue that continues to shape the way we consume and engage with the art and artists we love.