A viral tune becomes a political statement – and the singer is not left out
Jess Glynne has found herself in the spotlight again, this time not because of a new music release, but because of a political use of her song that has caused her to react publicly and passionately. Her famous song “Hold My Hand,” beloved in every corner of the world for its hope and positivity, was used by the White House in an online joke referring to immigrant deportations — a fact that caused her intense displeasure.
The video in question was uploaded to the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) and showed migrants being led onto planes by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, while the upbeat and hopeful “Hold My Hand” played in the background. The caption of the post read: “When ICE books you a Jet2 vacation ticket… for deportation. Nothing beats it!”
Jess didn't let the issue go unnoticed. She posted an Instagram Story where she clearly stated: "This post makes me feel sick. My music is about love, unity, and positive energy. It has no place in divisive or hateful rhetoric."
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“Hold My Hand” had recently made a comeback in a Jet2 Holidays advert for family travel. The song went viral again on TikTok, with users including it in videos of funny travel moments, from tiny hotel rooms to spectacular extreme sports fails. Glynne was amused by this new wave of publicity and even used it creatively to promote her new work.
During a recent appearance on CapitalFM, she also met Zoë Lister, the woman behind the cheerful voice of the Jet2 advert. The chemistry between them was instant, with the two women laughing and mimicking the signature line “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday.” But all that changed abruptly when her song became entangled in a political campaign.
The use of a feel-good pop anthem in a video featuring images of deportations and detention centers sparked a storm of reactions not only from Glynne, but also from the social media audience. Comments under the controversial post ranged from “Tragic” to “Can she sue them?” Even Donald Trump supporters seemed to be concerned, with several admitting that it was an “uncomfortable” choice.
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It's not the first time musicians have come out against the unnecessary or forced connection of their art with political messages. Jess Glynne, however, has made it clear that she will not tolerate the use of her music as a propaganda tool. She has stood up publicly, in simple but powerful words, defending the vision behind her lyrics.
She closed her statement by saying that she will never allow her art to be associated with hate. “My music is to bring us closer, not to divide us,” she emphasized meaningfully. With this statement, she proved that artists are not just spectators in the public debate, but have a voice and power.
“Hold My Hand” continues to play on millions of playlists around the world. But now, it takes on an even stronger symbolism – that of resistance against distortion and the defense of artistic identity. For Jess Glynne, pop is not just dancing and smiling. It’s an attitude.
And in this case, he made it clear that he will not hold hands in anything less than true unity.
