In a thrilling moment for music enthusiasts, Halsey delivered an unforgettable surprise during her Back to Badlands tour finale in London. On Wednesday night, the American singer, whose real name is Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, welcomed British pop star Ellie Goulding to the stage for an impromptu duet of Goulding's 2010 hit "Starry Eyed." The performance took place at the O2 Academy Brixton, capping off a three-night residency that concluded the European segment of Halsey's tour.
A Night of Nostalgia and Celebration
For her last show in the capital, Halsey strategically saved Goulding's guest appearance for the latter part of the evening, sending the audience into a frenzy of excitement. Introducing her fellow artist, Halsey shared heartfelt sentiments with the crowd. "Part of this tour and part of what I've been doing here is going back 10 years to celebrate this album that we all love so much," she explained. "But in the process, getting the opportunity to rediscover the artists and the friends who made that time possible."
Halsey emphasized Goulding's influence, stating, "She is an absolute trailblazer in this industry, and she's someone that I'm so, so lucky to have right beside me as a peer. And I'm just a really, really big fan." The crowd erupted in cheers as Goulding, who is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend Beau Minniear, made her entrance onto the stage.
Fashion and Performance Highlights
Ellie Goulding made a striking visual impact for the duet, donning silk green shorts layered over black sheer tights. She showcased her blossoming baby bump with a vibrant three-quarter red cropped jacket featuring bright blue detailing. Completing her ensemble were oversized Yves Saint Laurent black shades and gold statement earrings, adding a touch of glamour to the performance.
The duo appeared completely in their element as they belted out "Starry Eyed" to thousands of enthusiastic fans. The song, originally from Goulding's debut album "Lights," resonated deeply with the audience, creating a memorable shared experience. Goulding's pregnancy was first revealed publicly in early December when she walked the red carpet at the Fashion Awards, and she already shares a four-year-old son, Arthur, with her ex-husband, Caspar Jopling.
Behind the Scenes: Career Developments
This surprise collaboration comes amid significant professional changes for Ellie Goulding. Reports indicate that she has recently parted ways with her management team, TaP, as she prepares for a musical comeback with her sixth studio album. Goulding signed with TaP in 2018, joining a roster that includes chart-toppers like Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey.
A source close to the situation commented, "As she moves into the new year with a strong sense of clarity, she is focused on family first with her second child due in just a few weeks. Ellie is an artist who is a proven hit machine and is one of the most important and unique voices that has come out of the UK." Another insider noted that TaP resigned from working with Goulding on December 9th, marking the end of an eight-year partnership that both sides view positively.
Personal Reflections and Future Projects
In a recent interview with NYLON, Ellie Goulding opened up about the thematic direction of her upcoming album. "It had always been the goal to start this album, I didn’t know it was going to be a divorce album, but that’s the way it started heading," she revealed. Goulding married Caspar Jopling, the Harvard-educated grandson of Conservative MP Michael Jopling, Baron Jopling, in a ceremony at York Minster in 2019.
Reflecting on that period of her life, Goulding shared, "When I married my ex-husband, I thought it was for life. That will never go away. There are some songs that are necessary for me to acknowledge that time in my life and to be respectful of it. Then there were some songs that were extremely reactionary and sad that I felt were good to do in the moment, but don’t serve me long-term."
Since her relationship with Beau Minniear became public in September 2025, the couple has enjoyed holidays together, including a trip to Italy where Minniear shared intimate photographs online. He also appears in several scenes in Goulding's latest music video for "Destiny," hinting at their close personal and professional connection.
The surprise duet in London not only provided a highlight for Halsey's tour but also signaled Goulding's ongoing relevance and artistic evolution as she balances motherhood, personal life, and a highly anticipated return to the music scene.
