Taylor Swift has used her acceptance speech for Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards to urge viewers to register to vote in the upcoming US presidential election.
After thanking fans for voting for her, she added: “If you’re over 18 please register to vote for something else that is important — the Presidential election.”
On Tuesday, Swift officially endorsed Kamala Harris for president.
The pop megastar, who carries enormous sway with younger voters, broke her silence moments after Harris finished her debate with Donald Trump.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Swift said that, having watched Tuesday night’s presidential debate, Harris “fights for the rights and causes I believe.”
“Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most,” she wrote. “As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.
“I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.
“I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”
She added: “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make.”
In an apparent jab at Trump’s running mate JD Vance, the singer signed off her post as: “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.” The picture showed Swift holding her cat – Benjamin Button.
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
Swift was one of the big winners at tonight’s VMAs, taking home a number of awards.
She also paid her respects to New York on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter won Song of the Year for “Espresso” shortly after making out with an alien, while Chappel Roan won Best New Artist.
The awards show at the UBS Arena on Long Island was hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, who also won several awards.