Bette Midler Accepts 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize, Sings Protest Classic: ‘My Small Contribution to the Resistance’

Bette Midler accepted the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize in Tulsa on Friday, performing her updated version of Guthrie’s protest song “All You Fascists (Bound to Lose)”. She said she rewrote the song to address current events and described it as her “small contribution to the Resistance”.

The prize recognises artists who reflect Guthrie’s belief that music can support social justice and change. Midler released her version on YouTube in April, co-wrote it with Eric Kornfeld and executive-produced a video directed by Toni Basil and Seanne Farmer. The ceremony also raised funds for the Woody Guthrie Center’s educational programmes, concerts and exhibitions.