Bette Midler’s Parody of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ Takes Center Stage as She Serenades Colbert with a Bold Trump Critique
Bette Midler, the renowned singer and actress, made a memorable appearance on “The Late Show” on October 15, 2025. During her time with host Stephen Colbert, she delivered a parody of her iconic song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” that boldly critiqued former President Donald Trump.
Bette Midler’s Trump Critique
With a twist on the classic song, Midler humorously remarked on the atmosphere at “The Late Show.” She began her performance with lines that reflected on the challenges faced by the show despite its acclaim, stating, “You need a gig that’s more worthwhile, now that you’re more in demand than Epstein’s file.” This line set the tone for a segment filled with political commentary.
Engaging the Audience
As she performed, Midler encouraged the audience to sing along to her politically charged lyrics, which included the refrain, “you never kissed the orange a–.” This moment sparked enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, showcasing her ability to connect with her fans while delivering pointed social critiques.
Literary References and Collaborations
In a whimsical nod to “Lord of the Rings,” the 79-year-old artist concluded her parody with references to iconic characters. She sang, “Fly, fly, fly away, like Gandalf’s golden wings!” Midler acknowledged her collaborator, Eric Kornfeld, who has been pivotal in crafting her politically-themed parodies.
Context of the Performance
This performance came on the heels of a significant Supreme Court ruling in July 2024. The ruling affirmed that former presidents possess a degree of immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken during their time in office. Following this decision, Midler and Kornfeld, along with “Hairspray” composer Marc Shaiman, created a parody of the “Wizard of Oz” classic, “If I Only Had a Brain.” In this piece, she lamented the actions of specific Supreme Court justices regarding women’s rights.
Reactions and Clarifications
After sharing her Supreme Court parody on X, Midler faced criticism for alleged exclusionary lyrics. She clarified that her intention was not to offend but to address issues faced by women collectively throughout history. “Democracy is slipping through our fingers! I’m all in on trying to save Democracy for ALL PEOPLE,” she emphasized, urging unity in protecting democratic values.
Key Messages from Bette Midler
- Engagement in political discourse through art.
- A call for unity in protecting democracy.
- Creative expressions aimed at highlighting societal issues.
Midler’s appearance on “The Late Show” not only entertained but also served as a platform for her bold criticisms and reflections on contemporary political issues, reinforcing her status as a voice for activism in the arts.
