Rumors of a surprise appearance by a top-tier pop star swirled in the days leading up to the Democratic National Convention, reaching a fever pitch in the hours before Vice President Kamala Harris’ ceremonial nomination. The rumors turned out to be just that.
Some said Taylor Swift. Even more, Beyoncé said, including celebrity website TMZ, which cited “several” unnamed sourceson Thursday afternoon by stating unequivocally that she performed. Other signs seemed to support the rumours.
Those wandering the United Center in the afternoon heard a sound check (albeit from a different singer) of her song “Cuff It.” In addition, Harris had obtained permission to use Beyoncé’s 2016 song, “Freedom,” in promotional videos on social media (which rarely license her music).
A friend of Barack and Michelle Obama, the singer’s 2022 album “Renaissance” also included an allusion to her disdain for former President Donald Trump: “Votin’ out 45, don’t get outta line.” Trump was the country’s 45th president.
Overall, hopes were high. Some delegates were seen earlier in the day wearing rhinestone or mirrored cowboy hats, a popular accessory on the singer’s Renaissance tour. But just before Harris took the convention stage, both the Associated Press and Hollywood Reporter separately quoted DNC planners and Beyoncé’s camp as saying the performance was never planned.
There was no shortage of performances from talented musicians during the convention: Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Jason Isbell and Maren Morris performed. Thursday featured acapella performances from the country band The Chicks and Pink.