At the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift got political for a second time in a week when urged all her fans to vote in the midterm elections.
“I just wanted to make a mention of the fact that this award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people,” Swift said while accepting the trophy for Artist of the Year. “And you know what else is voted on by the people — is the midterm elections on November 6th. Get out and vote. I love you guys.”
Though not explicitly taking sides in her acceptance speech, over the weekend, Swift broke a longstanding practice of avoiding political stances when she came out in favor of two Tennessee Democrats in the November election.
“I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG,” Swift wrote on Instagram Sunday. “I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”
Swift said that although she would like to continue supporting female politicians, she came out against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn whose voting record, Swift said, “appalls and terrifies” her.
“She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values,” Swift wrote.
Instead, Swift said she will vote for Democrats Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for the House of Representatives.
Though Tuesday’s AMAs ceremony wasn’t overly stuffed with political content, the upcoming election did get mentioned a few times. Host Tracee Ellis Ross came out wearing a t-shirt that read “I am a voter” midway through the show. And later, Billy Eichner implored young people who believe in “equality for women, for people of color, for the LGBTQ community” and who “believe climate change is real” to vote in “the biggest election of our lifetime,” while he and Kathryn Hahn presented an award.