Why Celebrity Endorsements Couldn’t Save Kamala Harris: The Rise of Everyday Stars
The biggest stars in the world couldn't outshine the light that comes from regular people.
THIS POST IS NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT. HARRIS WILL BE FINE. TRUMP WILL BE FINE. I WANT YOUUUUUUU TO BE FINE.
Despite endorsements from some of the biggest names in entertainment—think Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez—Kamala Harris still lost her bid for the presidency by a near landslide.
This blog isn’t about politics; it’s about the waning influence of celebrity endorsements and how the real stars today are everyday creators like you, and it’s time that you start with your story - the biggest ally in your business marketing.
The power of celebrity influence is at its lowest point in modern history, and it’s time to recognize that the new faces of inspiration and authority are everyday people sharing genuine stories.
The Rise and Fall of Celebrity Influence
Inevitably a fan of Harris or one of the many celebrities will say they have every right to vote/campaign for who they want. And to that, I agree with you all the way. This isn’t anti-Kamala, anti-Trump or any celebrity. The stars I mentioned have every right to get political but their power isn’t what it once was. Neither is your power but that’s a great things!
There was a time when celebrity endorsements could make or break a campaign. With over 1.52 billion combined Instagram followers between them, celebrities like Madonna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga once had the power to sway public opinion drastically. A simple nod from an A-lister could transform an unknown candidate into a household name or tip the scales in a tight election.
But those days are fading. Even with massive reach—Taylor Swift’s 320 million followers, Beyonce’s 280 million, and Jennifer Lopez’s 250 million—Kamala Harris couldn’t convert the buzz into votes. So, what’s changed? The shift is in the value of authenticity. People are tired of polished PR stories and prefabricated narratives. We crave real, unfiltered voices from everyday Americans. As a voter, it’s no longer the glamorous faces I want to hear from; it’s the teachers, doctors, small business owners, and stay-at-home parents who are living our shared reality.
Taylor Swift: 320 million
Beyoncé: 280 million
Ricky Martin: 20 million
Katy Perry: 150 million
Lady Gaga: 100 million
Jennifer Lopez: 250 million
Cardi B: 140 million
Oprah Winfrey: 50 million
Billie Eilish: 90 million
Bruce Springsteen: 5 million
Megan Thee Stallion: 40 million
Lil Jon: 1 million
Usher: 10 million
Stevie Wonder: 500,000
Lizzo: 15 million
Maná: 2 million
Quavo: 12 million
Cher: 3 million
James Taylor: 300,000
Tamar Braxton: 4 million
Madonna: 18 million
Sugarland: 500,000
Andra Day: 1 million
The Roots: 2 million
Christina Aguilera: 8 million
Julia Roberts: 9 million
From my Instagram @Walid.Azami
The Rise of Everyday Influence
While traditional celebrities are losing their impact, the voices of everyday people are rising. Platforms like TikTok have leveled the playing field, allowing regular folks to share valuable insights, teach new skills, and inspire change. Unlike Instagram, which often feels curated and out of touch, TikTok is where strangers embrace each other’s stories and learn together. I’ve discovered new recipes, learned how to style myself better, and connected with real people who are sharing raw, unfiltered moments.
The power of this shift cannot be overstated. We are more likely to trust a nurse sharing her experiences on a phone camera than a pop star with a major record label backing her polished statements. This isn’t about being left-wing or right-wing; it’s about the disconnect when wealthy, sometimes billionaire, celebrities try to relate to the struggles of the everyday working class. Kamala Harris’s campaign leaned heavily on celebrity endorsements, but the lesson here is universal: People want to hear from relatable voices, not elites.
Why Your Story Matters More Than Ever
The real influencers today are those who aren’t out of touch—the ones facing everyday challenges, trying to start businesses, balancing college and careers, or navigating retirement. Your story, with all its flaws, wins, and moments of struggle, is what resonates with people now. Authentic voices carry far more weight than polished celebrity pitches, and that’s why your journey is important.
This is good news for small business owners and creatives. You don’t need a huge budget or celebrity endorsement to make an impact. You just need to tell your story honestly. Whether you’re starting a photography business, creating videos, or building a brand, it’s your personal narrative that will connect with people. Share why you do what you do, why it matters to you, and how you’ve navigated challenges. That’s the kind of storytelling that moves people and drives success.
Seize the Moment
The decline of traditional celebrity influence is your opportunity to step into the spotlight. Now is the time to stop waiting for validation or a big break. You don’t need an elite endorsement or a massive following to make an impact. What you need is the courage to share your unique story. There’s someone out there who will connect with your experience, who will find your journey inspiring, and who will want to work with you because your work contains a real, human touch.
Start now. Tell us why you picked up a camera, why you chose to capture certain moments, and why you’re passionate about what you do. Share your vision and let your humanity shine through your work.
It’s Your Turn: Start Your Photography Business
The era of celebrity worship is fading, making room for authentic creatives like you to step into the spotlight. Stop waiting for enough followers, and stop waiting for someone to give you a seat at the table. The new stars are everyday people sharing everyday stories. Now it’s your turn, my friend.
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I’d like to know in the comments, what do you think about what I wrote?
100%. Great article. I have found my own success by staying true to my authentic style with my business and corporate clients. Showcasing who they are in real work life environments truly resonates with their audience ( customers - clients ).