Sarah McLachlan Reflects on Misunderstanding Post-ASPCA ‘Angel’ PSA
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Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan recently opened up about feeling misunderstood after the release of her iconic ASPCA commercial featuring her song “Angel.” In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the three-time Grammy winner shared her thoughts on the emotional impact of the PSA, which tugged at the heartstrings of many viewers.

McLachlan expressed that she believes people had preconceived notions about her based on her music and public image. Despite her upbeat and cheerful personality, she felt that her music videos and album covers often portrayed a darker, more somber side of her. The artist explained, “Regardless of my playful, happy nature, what was portrayed was somber album covers and dark moody music.”
The singer-songwriter humorously acknowledged the misconceptions people had about her, saying, “They assume I’m going to be like Sylvia Plath and reading poetry and drinking wine at midnight with candles and all dark and moody.” McLachlan was quick to point out that this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth, as she is actually a cheerful and lighthearted individual in reality.
Despite the emotional weight of the ASPCA PSA, McLachlan shared that she is proud of the impact it had in raising funds for the animal welfare organization. She reflected on how the commercial not only helped the ASPCA but also introduced her to a new audience. The singer noted, “In some ways, [it] brought me to a whole new audience. It raised an incredible amount of money for the ASPCA.”
McLachlan also discussed her ability to find humour in the situation, stating, “I love to poke fun at myself because I’m not a very serious person at all despite my music.” She acknowledged that while the commercial may have led to some light-hearted teasing, it ultimately served a greater purpose in making a positive difference in the world.
In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, McLachlan shared insights into the creation of the ASPCA commercial, highlighting her passion for animals and the positive impact it had on fundraising efforts. Despite finding it difficult to watch the commercial over the years, she recognises the significant impact it had in raising approximately $30 million within a year of its release.
McLachlan’s new album, “Better Broken,” is set to be released on Friday, September 19th, showcasing her musical evolution and creativity. Fans can look forward to experiencing a different side of the artist through her latest musical offerings, which promise to be both introspective and inspiring.
Overall, Sarah McLachlan’s candid reflections on the aftermath of the ASPCA ‘Angel’ PSA provide a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of using her platform for charitable causes. Her ability to balance emotional depth with a light-hearted approach underscores her resilience and commitment to making a positive impact through her music and advocacy.
