Just over a month after confirming her latest romance, Ellie Goulding has boldly featured new boyfriend Beau Minniear in what's being hailed as her most provocative music video to date.
A Transformative Era Begins
The British singer makes her powerful return with new single Destiny, a track that has already generated significant excitement among her dedicated fanbase. The release signals what promises to be one of Goulding's most transformative creative periods in her fifteen-year career.
However, it's the accompanying video directed by Floria Sigismondi that's capturing nearly as much attention as the music itself. The visual masterpiece features stunning cinematography, ethereal backdrops, and the frequent presence of Goulding's mostly shirtless boyfriend, American actor Beau Minniear.
Intimate Visuals Spark Conversation
Throughout the four-minute promotional video, Goulding is seen in several intimate scenes with Minniear, whose face remains partially obscured. The singer straddles the hunky actor during one sequence while taking photographs of his semi-naked physique in another.
The chemistry between the couple is palpable as they share passionate embraces, with Goulding running her hands across her boyfriend's muscular torso. Minniear's physical presence serves as a central focus of the video's narrative, representing overwhelming sexual desire and connection.
Cathartic Creation Process
Discussing the emotional significance of her latest track, Goulding revealed: 'Recording this was like a catharsis, it made me feel so much better - like the prize was me all along.'
The singer described the song as her 'first feeling of straight-up escape and empowerment' after previously investing heavily in romantic relationships. She explained her vision for the track's dramatic conclusion: 'The idea of adding the choir and strings at the end was for it to become a triumphant moment of freedom like jumping off a cliff.'
Goulding elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of the single: 'To me it sounds like surrender. It sounds like let it happen. That's why it is called Destiny, it sounds like what will be will be and accepting it.'
Relationship Timeline and Career Milestones
The Destiny video arrives following Goulding's separation from her former husband Caspar Jopling, 33, with whom she shares four-year-old son Arthur. The art dealer and singer had been living separate lives for approximately six months before publicly announcing their split, though they reportedly remain 'great friends' while co-parenting their son.
Goulding briefly dated surf instructor Armando Perez, 29, in late 2023 before connecting with Minniear earlier this year. According to sources speaking with The Sun, 'Ellie is into Beau and they have a lot of shared interests like exercise and art. They've been having fun together and they certainly make for an attractive couple.'
Minniear has appeared in several small acting roles in the United States prior to his high-profile appearance in Goulding's latest video.
The release coincides with Goulding celebrating 15 years since her debut album Lights, marking an impressive career that includes ten platinum singles, four number one albums, two BRIT Awards, a Grammy Award nomination, and a Golden Globe nomination.
Her commercial success remains staggering, with over 44 million albums and 442 million singles sold worldwide. Goulding has amassed 55 billion streams globally and stands as one of Spotify's most streamed female artists with over 15 billion streams on the platform alone.
