Ariana Grande has partnered with HeadCount, a prominent nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to increasing voter registration, to launch a “Wicked” contest aimed at boosting young voter registration.
The contest offers an exclusive prize: two winners will be flown to the U.S. premiere of “Wicked,” the film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical starring Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The winners will also enjoy a full glam experience featuring Grande’s r.e.m. beauty products. Fans can enter the contest by checking their voter registration status, a move encouraged by Grande’s Instagram story announcement. (Enter the contest here.)
A recent Harvard University study, cited by HeadCount, highlights the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in promoting civic engagement. The research indicates that such promotions significantly increase voter registration and poll worker participation. In 2020, 78% of young voters registered through HeadCount went on to vote. Grande’s previous collaboration with HeadCount in 2019 led to the registration of over 30,000 fans during her tour. Following the pandemic, HeadCount adapted its approach to include digital engagement, allowing celebrities to continue encouraging voter registration among their followers.
Lucille Wenegieme, CEO of HeadCount, emphasized the importance of engaging young voters for the upcoming 2024 election. “We’re excited to partner with Ariana Grande again to help register as many young people as possible, ensuring they have the tools to make their voices heard at the polls this November!”
Celebrating its 20th year, HeadCount has garnered support from numerous celebrities, including Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Lizzo. The organization registered over 150,000 voters for the 2022 midterms and has helped register more than 1.3 million individuals throughout its history. (For more information on HeadCount and how to get involved, visit their website.)
