Halsey has officially taken on the challenge of confronting their own ego with the release of their latest single, “Ego.” The music video for the track, which dropped on Friday, September 6, offers a compelling visual representation of internal conflict, featuring two contrasting versions of the artist, symbolizing their dual personalities and inner turmoil.
In the video, Halsey portrays two distinct characters seated at opposite ends of a dinner table. One version of the singer is dressed in a black mini dress, with long red hair and full makeup, exuding glamour and confidence. In stark contrast, the other version wears no makeup, has short red hair, and dons a tuxedo, reflecting a more stripped-back, vulnerable side. These two versions of Halsey engage in a tense battle throughout the video, using various objects as weapons as they struggle for dominance within a dimly lit, moody home setting.
The song’s lyrics delve into the themes of self-reflection and internal strife. In the rock-infused chorus, Halsey sings, “I think that I should try to kill my ego/ ‘Cause if I don’t, my ego might kill me/ I’m all grown up but somehow lately/ I’m acting like a f—ing baby/ I’m really not as happy as I seem.” The lyrics suggest that, despite outward appearances, Halsey is grappling with their own sense of self, revealing a more introspective side of the artist.
“Ego” marks the fourth single from Halsey’s upcoming album, The Great Impersonator, set to be released on October 25. Describing the album as deeply personal, Halsey has shared that the project was created during a significant period of emotional and existential reflection. “I made this record in the space between life and death, and it feels like I’ve waited an eternity for you to have it,” Halsey revealed in a recent interview, hinting at the intense themes that will be explored throughout the album.
Alongside the release of “Ego,” Halsey also revealed the cover art for The Great Impersonator. The artwork features a close-up black-and-white portrait of the singer, with rosy cheeks and a star-shaped sticker on their forehead bearing the album’s title. The fine print on the sticker reads, “Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Behold the marvel of a century. Witness the uncanny ability of a woman who can become anyone, anything your heart desires.” This imagery reflects the central theme of the album: the concept of identity and the ways in which people present themselves to the world.
The Great Impersonator will be Halsey’s first album since their 2021 release, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The album promises to build on the introspective themes of their previous work, while continuing to push musical boundaries. The project will also feature the previously released singles “The End,” “Lucky,” and “Lonely Is the Muse.”
With “Ego” offering a bold, visually striking take on self-reflection, and ‘The Great Impersonator’ shaping up to be a deeply personal exploration of identity, Halsey is once again proving their ability to merge powerful storytelling with innovative visuals. The album is expected to resonate with fans as it delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of human emotion.