illie Eilish has stated it’s a “actually darkish day for ladies within the US” throughout her history-making Glastonbury headline set after the Supreme Court docket ended the nation’s constitutional proper to abortion.
The 20-year-old singer’s feedback come after the US courtroom determined to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade case that legalised abortion nationwide.
Throughout her set on the Pyramid Stage on Friday evening, she spoke out in opposition to the ruling as she launched her music Your Energy, which explores individuals abusing their energy.
Seated alongside her brother and co-writer, Finneas O’Connell, she stated: “The music we’re about to do is, I feel, one of many favourites that we’ve written and it’s in regards to the idea of energy and the way we have to all the time keep in mind how to not abuse it.
“And immediately is a extremely, actually darkish day for ladies within the US. I’m simply going to say that as I can’t bear to consider it any longer on this second.”
This look was notably poignant for the singer as she turned Glastonbury Pageant’s youngest ever solo headliner.
Throughout the electrifying set, she handled the viewers of adoring followers to a choice of hit songs from her two number-one albums, together with Bury A Buddy, When The Occasion’s Over, NDA and My Unusual Dependancy.
She gave a usually energetic efficiency, operating and dancing throughout the stage, carrying a black and white graphic outfit with black striped arm-warmers and her hair in area buns.
The singer delivered one other political second in the course of the set as she spoke of how society wanted to raised shield the setting.
Forward of performing Every little thing I Wished, she stated: “So I feel everyone knows that we actually must do a greater job of defending the planet that all of us dwell on.
“We all the time can do a greater job of defending our individuals and our family and friends and strangers and standing up for one another and standing with one another.
“And I really like you all and I stand with you and I help you and the whole lot that makes you who you might be.”
The viewers appeared to reciprocate again her affection as all through the set they sang, danced and chanted her title.
Close to the top of her set she admitted she felt “so undeserving” of this chance as she thanked the pageant and the followers for having her.
She added: “I’m so honoured to be right here amongst all of you and all of the unbelievable artists and the historical past of this pageant.”
Eilish closed her history-making present with an explosive rendition of her hit observe Happier Than Ever.
The singer energised the group as she delivered the dramatic refrain line which had the group screaming the lyrics alongside her.
She amplified the vitality as fireworks exploded throughout Worthy Farm in Somerset to finish the primary day of performances on the pageant.
This marks the US pop star’s second look at Glastonbury after making her debut in 2019 when she carried out on the Different Stage.
Sam Fender took to the Pyramid Stage earlier than Eilish to play a choice of his well-liked tracks, together with Seventeen Going Underneath, Will We Speak? and Spice, to a crowd of excited followers waving flags and singing alongside.
After taking part in Getting Began, the 28-year-old singer stated: “Hey Glastonbury how are we doing?
“Me and the boys have by no means been right here earlier than. We’ve by no means been right here as punters, by no means performed right here earlier than and we’re doing that each one in in the future, which is probably the most loopy expertise.”
He additionally offered the group with various electrifying guitar solos whereas his band offered accompaniment.
The Pyramid Stage additionally hosted an array of expertise on Friday, together with Ziggy Marley, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Crowded Home, Rufus Wainwright and Wolf Alice – who solely simply made their efficiency after their flight from Los Angeles was cancelled.
As acts took to phases throughout the pageant on Friday, Sir Paul McCartney handled followers to a shock efficiency at an intimate music venue in Frome, Somerset.
The previous Beatle carried out on the Cheese and Grain venue forward of turning into the oldest solo headliner when he takes to the primary Glastonbury stage on Saturday, precisely per week after celebrating his eightieth birthday.
Earlier on Friday, Volodymyr Zelensky made an look by way of video hyperlink the place he described Glastonbury because the “best focus of freedom” and referred to as for the world to “unfold the reality” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He completed his speech by saying “Slava Ukraini”, “Glory to Ukraine”, which was met with loud cheers and applause on the stage in Worthy Farm, Somerset.
Different acts who carried out on Friday included the Sugababes on the Avalon Stage, and Foals and St Vincent on the Different Stage, which additionally featured Friday performances from Kae Tempest and The Libertines.
Ukraine’s Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra additionally marked their first efficiency within the UK since their win, with a efficiency on Shangri-La’s Fact Stage on Friday’s invoice.
