Reports of Beyoncé gracing the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention were officially quashed on Thursday, as the singer’s representative confirmed that the global superstar was never scheduled to attend the event.
Despite rampant online speculation and buzz, the Grammy-winning artist’s involvement was nothing more than a rumour.
“Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there,” the singer’s rep told The Hollywood Reporter, dismissing the widely circulated claims. “The report of a performance is untrue.”
Throughout the week, social media was abuzz with the possibility of Beyoncé making a surprise appearance at the DNC, particularly in light of Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic nomination for the presidency.
Speculation reached a fever pitch on Wednesday when it was revealed that Pink would headline the event before Harris’ speech. As Pink moved up in the lineup, rumours intensified, with many believing that the shift hinted at a potential surprise performance by Beyoncé.
While the pop icon did not attend the convention, her presence was still felt in the United Center arena in Chicago. Harris chose Beyoncé’s powerful anthem “Freedom” to both introduce and conclude her speech as she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination.
The track, from Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade, has become a significant part of Harris’ campaign, symbolising the themes of resilience and empowerment.
The song also featured prominently in a new campaign ad for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which was unveiled during the convention.
This year’s DNC was a star-studded affair, hosted by celebrities like Tony Goldwyn, Ana Navarro, Mindy Kaling, and Kerry Washington, each taking on the role of emcee for one night.
The four-day event featured performances from musical legends including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Patti LaBelle, along with surprise appearances from prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey delivered a passionate speech, encouraging independent voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming election.
Among the convention’s highlights was a tribute to Minnesota, the home state of vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz, with John Legend and Sheila E. performing Prince’s iconic hit “Let’s Go Crazy.” The late musician, who was born in Minneapolis, was celebrated as a symbol of the state’s rich cultural legacy.
Stevie Wonder also made a surprise appearance in Chicago, electrifying the crowd with his performance of “Higher Ground.” Addressing the audience, Wonder underscored the importance of the moment, urging Americans to take action in the upcoming election.
“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,” he declared, adding a note of urgency to the convention’s proceedings.
While Beyoncé’s absence was notable, the DNC still delivered a powerful mix of music, celebrity, and politics, all aimed at rallying voters ahead of November’s election. As the convention came to a close, Harris’ campaign remained bolstered by the energy of the event, even without the expected star power of one of the world’s biggest entertainers.
