Unfortunately, Queen Bey did not hit the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, putting an end to tons of online speculation and some false reports.
In the days and hours leading up to Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination at the DNC on Thursday night, rumors of a surprise Thursday night performance by Beyoncé (or Taylor Swift) had fans buzzing.
Citing unnamed sources, both TMZ and The Hill reported on Thursday that Beyoncé was the surprise performer, though no official announcement had been made by the DNC. And Rolling Stone reported that city officials were working to prepare for the prospect of Beyoncé’s arrival.
“It’s been crazy,” one person familiar with the matter told Rolling Stone. “People running the show and working here obviously will prepare for Beyoncépalooza… We just keep being told ‘I don’t know’ when this comes up.”
However, later on Thursday, a representative for the star shut the claims down completely, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there,” the source told THR. “The report of a performance is untrue.”
While the Houston singer did not perform Thursday, she did give the VP permission to use her 2016 song “Freedom,” featuring rapper Kendrick Lamar. Harris has used the song repeatedly throughout her presidential campaign.
(By contrast, former President Donald Trump’s spokesperson tried using the same song in a video of Trump this week, and Beyoncé threatened to send a cease-and-desist letter.)
Beyoncé would have topped off a jampacked schedule that featured musical performances from iconic artists like Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, as well as a litany of other guests, compared to the three performances from artists Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood and Chris Janson during the Republican National Convention last month.
Artists Jason Isbell, Common, Jonathan McReynolds, Lil Jon, Mickey Guyton, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Sheila E., Maren Morris, P!nk and The Chicks also performed.
Bey herself has not given an official endorsement of Harris, but her mother, Tina Knowles, has.
“New, Youthful, Sharp, energy!!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country! Putting personal Ego, power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader. Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President,” Mama Tina wrote in a post on Instagram on July 21.
Beyoncé released her latest project, a country album called “Cowboy Carter,” in March. The album is part of a trilogy that began with the dance album “Renaissance” in 2022.
She also announced a new whiskey brand called SirDavis this week.