Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. | Source: Tom Williams / Getty
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) swirled with rumors that the queen “Bee” Beyoncé would hit the stage to perform before Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic nomination acceptance speech on Thursday night.
The buzz around the event was palpable, fueled by the evident admiration for Beyoncé from both the crowd and Harris’ campaign staff. Several attendees were seen sporting cowboy hats similar to the one Beyoncé wore on her Cowboy Carter album cover. To align with the DNC rally’s theme, Harris supporters had personalized their hats and sashes with “Cowboy Kamala.”
CNN highlighted that speculation intensified on Thursday night when White House political director Emily Ruiz, in a now-deleted post, shared a bee emoji, an ode to the singer’s BeyHive fanbase. She later hinted that a special guest would wow the crowd at the rally.
“I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but you don’t want to miss the DNC tonight. If you thought the Oprah surprise was big, just wait.”
Source: EVA HAMBACH / Getty
Sadly, fans of the 32-time Grammy Award winner had their dreams quickly shattered when the famous songstress did not appear throughout the event. A publicist for the singer also confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she was “never scheduled to be in Chicago” for the DNC.
Despite the missed appearance, Beyoncé has expressed her support for Harris’ campaign. “Freedom,” a track from Beyoncé’s sixth studio album *Lemonade*, unofficially became Harris’ campaign anthem when she launched her presidential bid in late July. Harris secured permission from Beyoncé and her label to use the song. At 59, Harris played the track following her first speech announcing Biden’s endorsement after his withdrawal from the race. Shortly thereafter, her campaign released an official launch video featuring the hit song.
Kamala Harris has released the first video of her presidential campaign, featuring Beyoncé's song, "Freedom": pic.twitter.com/mHx2SW4rIg
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 25, 2024
Although Beyoncé’s absence from the DNC was a letdown, Harris didn’t need a performance from the Houston native to make a strong impression on her big night at the convention.
The 59-year-old VP, who became the first Black woman in history to accept a DNC nomination on Thursday, gave a powerful speech to delegates and fans in Chicago, presenting her case for why her values should guide her presidency. She opened by reintroducing herself to the nation, drawing on the courage and confidence her parents instilled in her. Harris recounted her personal journey, linking it to her vision for the country and cautioning against the risks of reinstating former President Donald Trump.
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward,” she said with conviction to rally-goers. “Not as members of any one party or faction. But as Americans.”
The star Democrat also vowed to be a president that all Americans could depend on. “Let me say, I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self,” she added. “To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles. From the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations.”
FULL SPEECH: VP Kamala Harris delivers a historic and inspiring speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Incredibly powerful and worth watching till the end. pic.twitter.com/4xMEkGCXqQ
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 23, 2024
SEE ALSO:
‘I Was Wrong’: DL Hughley Apologizes At DNC For Uninformed Past Criticisms Of VP Kamala Harris
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