Copyright Parade
Billie Eilish believes billionaires should be doing much more with their money—like giving it away to those who need it more than them. While the 23-year-old Grammy-award winner accepted the Music Innovator Award at the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, she begged the question of the star-studded audience: “If you’re a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?” Eilish took the opportunity to turn her acceptance speech into a call to action amidst a “really, really bad and really dark” world. “People need empathy and help more than, kind of, ever, especially in our country,” Eilish said. “I’d say if you have money, it would be great to use it for good things; maybe give it to some people [who] need it.” During her speech, Eilish quietly called out several people in the audience, which included Mark Zuckerberg—the third-richest person in the world with a net worth of around $257 billion—and his wife, Priscilla Chan. Chan was also recognized as a 2025 WSJ. Magazine Innovator, named the 2025 Philanthropy in Science Innovator. Other high-net-worth celebrities in attendance included Hailey Bieber, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Tory Burch, Karlie Kloss, and more. “Love you all, but there are a few people in here that have a lot more money than me… No hate, but yeah, give your money away, shorties,” Eilish said. But she’s not all talk. Eilish puts her money where her mouth is, too. Stephen Colbert, who hosted this year’s WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards, announced that Eilish has recently raised significant donations through her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour after the album came out in May. “I also have the privilege of breaking a little news tonight,” Colbert shared. “Billie Eilish will be donating proceeds from her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour’ to support organizations, projects, and voices dedicated to food equity, climate justice, reducing carbon pollution, and combating the climate crisis.” That donation totals $11.5 million. The proceeds will go to her Changemaker Program, which supports organizations that address food insecurity and the climate crisis all over the world.
