Billie Eilish appeals to the wealthiest: "Give back your money, kids"

On Wednesday, the "Bad Guy" hitmaker accepted the Music Innovator Award. In her speech, Billie Eilish addressed the world's wealthiest people, appealing to them to share their fortunes with those in need. The artist cannot be accused of hypocrisy – the gala's host, Stephen Colbert, announced that same evening that the star would donate a portion of the proceeds from her ongoing tour to, among other causes, combating unequal access to food.

The Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards ceremony took place on October 29, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City . Winners included Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Hailey Bieber, and George Lucas .

Billie Eilish won the Music Innovator Award in the music category. One of the most famous young stars, Eilish has nine Grammy Awards to her name and a string of historic successes. Suffice it to say that she has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records 16 times.

Before the "Bad Guy" hitmaker accepted her next trophy, host Stephen Colbert shared information about her generous gesture with the audience.

"Thank you, Billie, for letting me share this, because this is truly extraordinary. Billie Eilish will be donating a portion of the proceeds from her "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour to organizations whose mission is to provide equal access to food and combat the climate crisis. Ladies and gentlemen, the donation is $11.5 million. On behalf of humanity, thank you, Billie," the comedian announced.

Accepting her award a little later, the 23-year-old artist appealed for support for those who are in a less privileged position.

"We live in dark times, and people need empathy and help more than ever – especially in our country. If you have money, it would be great to donate it to a worthy cause, donating it to those who need it," the star noted.

She then made a similar appeal to the rich.

"There are some people here who have way more money than me. If you're billionaires, ask yourself why you became one? Give your money back, kids," Eilish said.

The singer's international tour kicked off last fall. "Hit Me Hard and Soft," which promotes Eilish's third studio album of the same name, is scheduled to conclude on November 23, 2025. The tour included over 100 concerts on four continents.

In early June, the singer visited Poland, performing twice at Krakow's Tauron Arena. According to estimates, ticket sales could exceed $200 million . The final musical show will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.