On Tuesday, singer and actress Bette Midler made a memorable appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ where she performed a parody of her iconic song, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’ The performance was more than a mere entertainment act; it served as a sharp critique of then-President Donald Trump, embedding political commentary within the lyrics. The parody, themed on ‘Lord of the Rings,’ included lines such as ‘you never kissed the orange a–,’ a reference to Trump’s distinctive appearance, which drew significant audience engagement and applause.
Midler’s appearance was part of an ongoing trend of using music as a vehicle for political expression, with her collaboration with writer Eric Kornfeld on past parodies critical of Trump. This performance followed her earlier comments on the Supreme Court, where she posted a parody of ‘If I Only Had a Brain’ to X. The parody was a direct response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that granted former presidents immunity from criminal prosecution, a decision she criticized in her lyrics. The song’s lines, such as ‘Justice Thomas, it’s distressin’, the sins you ain’t confessin,’ highlighted her discontent with the judicial system’s decisions, particularly regarding the recent rulings on Trump’s immunity.
Despite the backlash she faced on social media for her political statements, Midler remained steadfast in her commitment to democracy. She clarified on X that her song was not intended to be exclusionary or transphobic, explaining that it was a commentary on the persistent challenges women have faced since ancient times. In her conclusion, Midler emphasized her dedication to safeguarding democracy for all people, urging unity in a politically divided landscape. Her performance and subsequent public statements reflect her position as an artist who uses her platform to engage with and comment on political issues, showcasing her role as a socially conscious figure in the entertainment industry.