GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. − As the nation braces for an intense presidential election, Stevie Wonder has traveled the country with a heartfelt message: Reduce political hostility and seek understanding among one another.

“Encouraging and uplifting everyone through love is essential for progress,” Wonder stated backstage on October 30 prior to his concert at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena. His concert was part of a unique 11-city tour named Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart, which included stops in major cities like Philadelphia and Atlanta, concluding in Chicago on November 2.

Wonder embarked on this tour driven by a vision shaped by his 1960s experiences and influenced by the unifying teachings of his idol, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. This marked his first national tour in six years, motivated by what he sees as a decline in constructive dialogue in the U.S.

“Let’s be honest, I’m no longer 21, even if I feel like I’m 35,” Wonder chuckled. “In this life, we never know how long we have. It’s crucial that we make every moment count to create a better world for all.”

The tour, referred to as a pop-up tour by his team, showcased an impressive 30-member band alongside stunning stage effects and a 2½-hour performance filled with his classic songs. Motivated by what he describes as a national identity crisis, the concert series targeted spirited states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Michigan.

In his dressing room before his show in Grand Rapids, Wonder shared thoughts on his travels through the politically charged regions of the nation.

“America needs to unite as a whole because there are always forces – whether people or nations – that threaten our democratic values,” he remarked. “We must reach a point where we all agree to come together.”

During a election season filled with celebrity endorsements from all angles, Wonder has been an active participant, recognizing that not everyone is comfortable taking that stance.

“Many are afraid of backlash or criticism – all that nonsense,” he noted. “God is my manager, which means I control my own narrative. I listen to those I trust around me, but ultimately, I will chart my own course.”

While Wonder is clearly aligned with political figures, including his support for Vice President Kamala Harris where he performed at her nomination, his October performances struck a more neutral tone, avoiding overt political messages.

“I know you didn’t come here to hear me preach,” he told audiences in Michigan. He refrained from naming names in his performances, yet hinted at his critiques toward certain leaders through humorous remarks, such as his comment about driving a Hummer instead of a Tesla, referencing Tesla’s founder Elon Musk.

Unlike typical arena tours that require extensive planning, Wonder’s tour was put together in just a few weeks.

After releasing the single “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” on August 30, which he referred to as his “love song to America,” he felt the urge to share his message live. With a breakneck pace and a flurry of activity, the tour was quickly organized.

“It truly felt like turning the impossible into reality,” Wonder reflected.

This tour encouraged voter engagement while also keeping a grassroots vibe. At Madison Square Garden in New York City, he enjoyed robust ticket sales on the day of the performance.

Wonder designed the event to focus on community, donating over 7,200 tickets to frontline workers in local charities including food banks and shelters.

“Negativity is intolerable, regardless of your political views,” Wonder emphasized. “It’s not about blue or red, but about what truly lies in your heart. Division and hatred have no connection to God’s intentions for us.”

Critics praised Wonder’s return to the stage, as the 74-year-old showcased his remarkable vocal ability surrounded by an array of keyboards, attributing his strong performance to a dedicated health regimen.

Ninety minutes before he was set to perform in Grand Rapids, a focused tranquility filled Stevie Wonder’s dressing room.

Aisha Morris, Wonder’s daughter whose birth in 1975 inspired the beloved song “Isn’t She Lovely,” quietly moved in and out as her father prepared mentally for the show. On the coffee table, there was a wooden harpejji, a unique string instrument that Wonder has developed a liking for in recent years. As he made himself comfortable on the couch for a chat, he instinctively reached for the instrument and played a few notes.

At one moment, he stopped mid-conversation to apologize and write something down, using a small digital device designed for the visually impaired, softly whistling as he input in braille.

Since the 1970s, Wonder has been passionately engaged in political and social issues, embedding significant messages in his music. He played a key role in the 1983 initiative to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday and has actively supported leaders like President Barack Obama.

However, in 2024, he expresses an intensified urgency, motivated by “the current state of our society, politics, spirituality, and mental well-being.” He shared his disappointment with a media landscape trapped in a cycle of “he-said-she-said” controversy and his worries about the younger generation captivated by social media.

“It’s just a lot of (expletive), and it’s not going to move the nation forward,” he remarked.

Despite his frustrations, Wonder ultimately perceives himself as a constructive force for change, firmly believing in the power of music to unite people. This belief has guided him since his early days at Motown in Detroit, where, starting at the age of 9, he recognized how art could foster cross-cultural connections.

“Colors don’t matter to me because I don’t see either one. What I really want to see are blue skies for everyone.”