Bruce Springsteen kicked off his concert in Toronto, Canada, with a poignant “fighting prayer” for the United States following the recent election results. The legendary musician, who had previously voiced his support for Kamala Harris and criticised Donald Trump as “the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime,” took to the stage to express his sentiments. Springsteen condemned Trump’s disregard for democracy and the rule of law, stating that he believed these actions should disqualify one from the presidency.
During the concert, Springsteen performed his songs with fervour, starting with “Long Walk Home” from his ‘Magic’ album that touches on themes of women and freedom. He then moved on to perform “Land of Hope and Dreams” from 2001, a track often celebrated as an anthem for America. Despite the delay in starting the concert, which he attributed to “plane trouble,” Springsteen delivered a powerful performance that resonated with the audience.
In other responses to the election outcome, TV personality Jay Leno described the election as “fair” and “honest,” acknowledging the integrity of the process. However, many celebrities, including Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, expressed their disappointment with the results. Eilish, who had been a vocal supporter of Harris, bluntly stated, “It’s a war on women,” highlighting her concerns about the impact of the election.
The historic candidacy of Kamala Harris as the first female vice president in the US drew reactions from figures like Cardi B, who expressed pride in Harris despite her defeat. Jamie Lee Curtis also urged people to “wake up and fight” in response to the election results, emphasising the importance of remaining engaged in democracy.
On the other hand, Jeff Bezos of Amazon congratulated Trump on his victory, noting the president’s “extraordinary political comeback.” Trump’s win marked a significant turnaround for someone previously embroiled in legal troubles and controversies during his time in office, including inciting a violent insurrection at the US Capitol.
As the country navigates the aftermath of the election, various voices from the entertainment industry and beyond continue to reflect on the implications of the results. Springsteen’s concert served as a platform for him to share his hopes and concerns for the future of the United States, encapsulating the mix of emotions felt by many in the wake of the election.