Paloma Faith predicts Glastonbury will ‘go back to white men again’ after diversity inclusion-Laura Harman-Entertainment – Metro

Paloma revealed her concerns about diversity at Glastonbury (Picture: Reuters)

Paloma Faith has spoken openly about why she thinks Glastonbury’s more diverse set-list this year might be a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction.

The 42-year-old singer is part of the Glastonbury line-up including Coldplay, Sza, and Dua Lipa.

The festival has been criticised for having predominantly white, male artists headlining the festival. In 2023, their headline acts were Elton John, Arctic Monkeys, and Guns ‘n’ Roses.

The festival co-organiser, Emily Eavis, has defended the festival saying that inclusion has always been a focus. ‘It’s not just about gender, it’s about every aspect of diversity,’ she told The Guardian last year: ‘We’re probably one of the only big shows that’s really focused on this.’

The Only Love Can Hurt Like This singer admitted that while she’s honoured to be part of the festival, she is concerned that the inclusion of more women artists and acts of all races isn’t an indicator of real change.

The Can’t Rely on You and How You Leave a Man singer told Radio Times: ‘What tends to happen is they’ll diversify and include non-white races and women again, and everyone says, “Isn’t it great? We’re progressing” – and then it goes back to white men again for years.’ 

‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’ she added.

The singer is one of the many women performing at Glastonbury (Picture: Watto / BACKGRID

The singer then said she will ensure she spends her time at the festival supporting other women artists.

‘I’m there to watch as many women artists as I can. I really want to support other women. Everyone they’ve got is amazing. 

‘This industry tends to be a bit sexist and overlooks women of my age. I felt that there was no way in hell that I would be acknowledged as a worthy person because I’m 42, so I am moved by it.

‘It feels life-affirming that they think I’m a safe pair of hands to carry that moment for all those people who are there after days of hedonism! It’s very special.’

Sza is set to be one of the main headliners at the festival (Picture: Getty)

Kill Bill singer Sza is the first black female artist to perform in a headline slot since 2011 when Beyonce performed at Worthy Farm.

Diana Ross performed in the legend slot in 2022, with Kendrick Lamar headlining in the same year.

In 2019 Stormzy was a headline act, and Kanye West headlined in 2015, making him the first rapper to ever headline the festival.

The first Black artist to headline Glastonbury was Curtis Mayfield in 1983, 13 years after the first Glastonbury festival took place in 1970. The first female artist to headline the festival was Skin of Skunk Anansie in 1999.

The singer has been releasing music since 2007 (Picture: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage)

The artist added that she felt low after going through a divorce and learning to co-parent with two young children.

She explained that booking the Legend slot at the festival was validating after she felt ‘a bit washed up.’

‘Having gone through this break-up and learnt to be a single mum with two very young kids, I often feel unsure if I’m doing the right thing.’

She then added: ‘When they said I had the Pyramid Stage on Sunday, just before the ‘Legend’ slot, I was like, ‘How in God’s name have I got that?’

‘Sometimes when you get a big knock to your self-esteem, like a big break-up, you feel a bit washed up. So when they told me [the news], it felt very special.’

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