Nicki Minaj, Bruce Springsteen, Olivia Rodrigo: Music stars take sides in US midterms

As US citizens voted in the midterm elections on Tuesday, numerous prominent musicians had already made their political preferences known. These artists utilized campaign rallies, concert stages, and social media to voice their support for specific candidates and parties.

Veteran country singer Bruce Springsteen endorsed Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed against incumbent President Donald Trump. In a social media post, Springsteen praised El-Sayed for his commitment to the American Constitution and democracy, stating he would be "in his corner 100%."

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who had previously criticized Trump during his first term, became an outspoken supporter of the president after his return to the White House. At a rally in Michigan, Minaj appeared alongside Trump and praised his resilience, encouraging support for Republican candidates Mike Rogers and John James.

Kid Rock, a long-time Trump ally, also appeared at campaign events and backed Republican candidate John James in Michigan's Senate race. On the Democratic side, pop star Olivia Rodrigo endorsed Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a concert in Columbus. Rodrigo wore a T-shirt with Acton's name and presented her with flowers during another performance.

Country music has seen both Republican and Democratic support, with artists like Jason Aldean, Willie Nelson, Don Henley, and Kacey Musgraves endorsing various candidates. The political involvement of musicians extended beyond formal endorsements, as seen in the Power to the People Festival organized by guitarist Tom Morello in October.

This festival featured prominent artists such as Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Joan Baez, and Dave Matthews, who used the event to promote political activism and opposition to the Trump administration.