Kamala Harris introduced herself to the nation she aims to lead in a climactic moment during the Democratic National Convention on Thursday. Despite speculation about mystery guests, the highly anticipated appearance of Beyoncé was limited to her music playing over the loudspeakers.
In a classic convention scene broadcasted across the country, Harris and her running mate, accompanied by their families, were enveloped by the cheers of supporters and balloons descending from the rafters. The night’s atmosphere was filled with anticipation, not just for Harris but also with hopes pinned on a possible appearance from mega-stars Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Rumors had run rampant, especially since Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” has become a hallmark of Harris’s campaign.
“If she’s not, they better come up with something,” remarked NBC News’ Savannah Guthrie, acknowledging the high expectations. An NBC reporter canvassing the convention floor queried delegates on their thoughts about a possible Beyoncé appearance. Meanwhile, NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell pointed out that a curtain obscured her usual view backstage, adding to the air of mystery.
The online rumor mill was in overdrive, even prompting Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, to quip on X: “Contrary to false news posts, I am not the surprise guest at the DNC tonight. My guess is that it will be Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. So disappointing, I know!” Emmy Ruiz, the White House director of political strategy and outreach, posted a bee emoji on her X account earlier that day, fueling speculation among Beyoncé’s devoted fans—the “Bey-hive.” Quickly, Ruiz retracted, attributing the post to her 6-year-old child.
While the conjecture added an element of fun, there was also a risk. Would viewers tune in with the hope of seeing a superstar and feel let down if it didn’t happen? Conversely, if a mega-star did appear, would it detract from Harris’s pivotal moment? Ultimately, the Hollywood Reporter dispelled the rumors about half an hour before Harris took the stage, quoting a representative who confirmed, “Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there. The report of a performance is untrue.”
Throughout the convention, a mix of showbiz and politics was on display with performances by Stevie Wonder, Pink, John Legend, the Chicks, Lil Jon, and Jason Isbell. After a week when the Democrats’ speakers headlined outside prime time, Harris took the stage shortly after 10:30 p.m. to deliver a 37-minute speech. This contrasted sharply with Donald Trump’s 92-minute acceptance speech for the GOP nomination, which extended past midnight Eastern time.
Pundits highlighted the robust nature of Harris’s address, especially on foreign policy. “People have been talking about her as a joyful warrior,” noted CNN’s Audie Cornish, “We heard more warrior.” Fox News’ Brit Hume concurred, stating, “It was a speech that President Biden could have made before ending his bid for re-election, but he could not have delivered it with the force of Harris. It was very strong.”
ABC News analyst Donna Brazile, a former Democratic National Committee chair, reflected, “Tonight you heard a woman inspired by her mother to dream big and by her father to be fearless.” CBS News’ Robert Costa agreed, emphasizing that Harris’s speech marked a new chapter in the American story, yet warning of the tumultuous times ahead as the nation grapples with its identity.
Meanwhile, Trump continued his running commentary on his Truth Social account during her speech, urging, “A lot of talk about childhood; we’ve got to get to the Border, Inflation, and Crime!”
