Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

New Jersey Rep Admits He Faked Spotify Wrapped

Manuel Martinez Perez, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Manuel Martinez Perez, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer recently found himself at the center of a minor controversy after sharing a Spotify Wrapped that falsely depicted his top songs as being exclusively by Bruce Springsteen. On social media, he proudly announced his favorite tracks included iconic hits like “Thunder Road” and “Glory Days.” However, discrepancies in font and layout led to suspicions about the legitimacy of the post. Faced with mounting scrutiny, Gottheimer confessed the list was faked, explaining that the real reason these songs weren't officially his most played was because he shared the account with his 12 and 15-year-old children. He claimed that Bruce Springsteen would have indeed been at the top if he didn’t share his Spotify account.

Gottheimer, a self-proclaimed “Bruce Superfan,” has made numerous references to his admiration for Springsteen throughout his political career, including during his current campaign for Governor of New Jersey. He featured “Glory Days” in his gubernatorial bid launch and frequently mentions his past experiences attending Springsteen concerts. His deep-seated fandom seems genuine, but the social media slip sparked questions about his authenticity and transparency. Despite this, his team was quick to point out that, in his actual Spotify Wrapped, Springsteen did top the charts, accompanied by other artists such as Billy Joel and Taylor Swift. This attempt to humorously amplify his fan credentials ended up spiraling into a disclosure and swift damage control from the congressman.

Gottheimer made light of the situation on social media, suggesting that his embellished account of his listening habits was not meant to be taken seriously. “I wasn’t here for business baby, I was only here for fun,” he quipped, borrowing a line reminiscent of Springsteen’s lyrical style. He emphasized that even though this was a jest, it should not invalidate his authentic Springsteen loyalty—a testament further backed by owning a pet named after Springsteen’s hit song “Rosalita.” In addressing the incident, Gottheimer also pivoted to focus on his gubernatorial campaign priorities, such as lowering taxes and reducing costs, asserting that these were issues constituents truly cared about.

The episode provided fodder for local media and online conversations, exemplifying how digital missteps can momentarily overshadow even seasoned politicians. It showcased Gottheimer’s navigation of modern electoral optics where a Spotify playlist—or at least the portrayal of one—can become a point of public interest and political discourse. While the scandal is minor when juxtaposed against larger political headlines, it underscores the unanticipated role that personal tastes and social media play in shaping a politician's public image today. The controversy has not deterred Gottheimer’s earnest attempts to succeed Governor Phil Murphy, aiming for a leadership role where he hopes to use these cultural touchstones as bridges to the influential voter base of New Jersey.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Aerosmith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Jan 1994 VARIOUS

Joe Perry Opens Up About Possibility of Final Aerosmith Concert

Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist from Aerosmith, has sparked discussions about a possible reunion for a final show. Despite announcing…

Irish musician Bono of the band U2 performs in Khreshatyk metro station in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine, 08 May 2022, to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Western countries have responded with various sets of sanctions against Russian state majority owned companies and interests in a bid to bring an end to the conflict. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February, resulting in fighting and destruction in the country. Irish musician Bono of U2 performs in metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine - 08 May 2022

Bono Slams Trump’s Gutting of USAID

In a significant and emotional discourse, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with U2’s lead singer Bono…

LEFT PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson, 'Moana 2' film premiere, London, UK - 24 Nov 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: Jelly Roll, 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, Arrivals, Frisco, Texas, USA - 08 May 2025

The Rock Finally Hugs Jelly Roll After Singer’s Music Helped Him Through Dark Times

In an inspiring tale of friendship and the power of music, Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and country singer…

Green Day - Billie Joe Armstrong KROQ ALMOST ACCOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT, DAY TWO, LOS ANGELES, AMERICA - 12 DEC 2004

Green Day Fan Invited On Stage to Play ‘Good Riddance,’ But Plays ‘Wonderwall’ Instead

In what seemed like a routine Green Day concert in Luxembourg on June 30, 2025, an unexpected twist turned the…

Scooter Braun arrives on the red carpet at the NY special screening event for Amazon Prime's upcoming doc Justin Bieber: Our World Special Screening in New York, United States - 14 Sep 2021

Scooter Braun Steps Down as CEO of HYBE America

Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, is…

Sony Music's The Thread Shop and Apple Corps, Ltd. have created the pop-up to celebrate and showcase the first wave of products available under a newly announced licensing agreement for The Beatles merchandising rights in North America. Beatles pop-up shop, 163 Mercer Street, New York, USA - 18 Dec 2019 The Beatles products will range from holiday sweaters, hats, scarves and tree ornaments to branded toys, turntables and even a Beatles pinball machine, offering shoppers fashionable and gift-worthy items for every type of Beatles fan.

The Beatles’ Apple Corps Announces New CEO

The recent appointment of Tom Greene as CEO of The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. marks a significant transition for the…

LEFT PHOTO: Moriah Formica, 70th Emmy Awards Nominees for Outstanding Casting event, Los Angeles, USA - 06 Sep 2018 RIGHT PHOTO: Disturbed in concert during The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour at The Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 18 Apr 2025

Plush & Disturbed’s David Draiman Collab on New Song ‘Why’

Rock band PLUSH has recently thrown themselves into the spotlight with the release of the music video for their latest…

Rock band - Blondie: singer Deborah Harry, guitarist Frank Infante VARIOUS

Debbie Harry Addresses Future of Blondie

Debbie Harry, fondly remembered as the iconic frontwoman of Blondie, continues to sculpt her legacy in the music industry while…

Katy Perry Katy Perry 'The Lifetimes Tour', Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW, Australia - 04 Jun 2025

Katy Perry Cries on Stage After Orlando Bloom Split

Katy Perry, the globally renowned pop star, recently took to the stage in Adelaide, Australia, where she became visibly emotional…