2024-08-23 09:25:02
A representative for Beyoncé says the singer will not attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
“Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there,” the Grammy-winning star’s rep tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The report of a performance is untrue.”
Rumors about the pop star attending and performing at this year’s DNC, celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic presidential nomination, have exploded online throughout the week.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Pink would be the headline act ahead of Harris’ speech. On Thursday, Pink — who performed “What About Us” with her daughter Willow — appeared to have moved up in the lineup, continuing to add more fuel to the fire about a surprise guest coming later in the night.
Beyoncé’s presence was ultimately still felt in Chicago’s United Center arena, as her song “Freedom” ended up playing Harris both on and off the stage for her speech when she formally accepted the party’s nomination later on Thursday. The superstar singer had granted Harris quick permission to use the 2016 Lemonade track for her presidential campaign. “Freedom” has since become a campaign anthem, also appearing in a new Harris-Walz ad that helped kick off the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
This year’s DNC was hosted by Tony Goldwyn, Ana Navarro, Mindy Kaling and Kerry Washington, with each star emceeing one night of the event. The four-day convention featured performances by Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Patti LaBelle and other major musicians; surprise appearances by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, who gave a speech urging those who are registered as independent like herself to vote; a daytime panel moderated by Julia Louis-Dreyfus; and more.
On night three, Legend and Sheila E. paid tribute to vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s home state of Minnesota by performing Prince’s song “Let’s Go Crazy.” The late icon was born in Minneapolis.
Wonder also made a surprise appearance in Chicago on Wednesday, where he performed his hit song “Higher Ground.” “This is the moment to remember: when you tell your children where you were and what you did. As we stand between history’s pain and tomorrow’s promises, we must choose courage over complacency. It is time to get up and go vote,” Wonder told the crowd.
July’s Republican National Convention attracted such luminaries as Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock and Amber Rose.
Aug. 22, 8:30 p.m. Updated to include “Freedom” playing Harris off the DNC stage.
