Kamala Harris and Beyoncé: The Star Singer Only Heard via Loudspeakers

Kamala Harris made a significant impression at the Democratic National Convention, aiming to introduce herself to voters as she aspires to lead the nation. Although there were expectations of surprise celebrity appearances, such as Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, the latter’s presence was limited to her music playing in the background.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the evening unfolded. It wasn’t just for Harris; the speculation of star appearances added to the buzz. Many delegates were eager to see if Beyoncé, whose song “Freedom” has become a rallying cry for Harris’s campaign, would make an on-stage appearance.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie hinted that audience expectations were high and many were waiting for a memorable moment involving a star. An NBC reporter even walked the convention floor, gauging delegates’ reactions to the buzz about a possible Beyoncé sighting.

As excitement mounted, former Republican nominee Mitt Romney tweeted to quell the hopes of fans, declaring, “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!”

The anticipation was palpable, with Emmy Ruiz, the White House director of political strategy, adding to the chatter by posting an ambiguous emoji on X, further fueling speculation before clarifying that her child had taken her phone.

Despite the playful fun, there were concerns that the event could create disappointment for attendees and viewers expecting celebrity appearances. Ultimately, just before Harris took the stage, a representative for Beyoncé confirmed that she would not be performing at the event, stating that no such appearance was ever planned.

The convention successfully blended entertainment with political discourse, featuring performances by numerous artists, notably Stevie Wonder, Pink, John Legend, the Chicks, Lil Jon, and Jason Isbell throughout the week.

Harris took the stage after much of the audience had been worn down by previous nights of speeches, delivering her address shortly after 10:30 PM. Her 37-minute speech stood in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s lengthy 92-minute acceptance speech, which concluded past midnight during the Republican National Convention the previous month.

Political analysts remarked on the strength and clarity of Harris’ speech, particularly emphasizing her assertive stance on foreign policy issues. CNN’s Audie Cornish noted that viewers saw more of Harris’s “warrior” side, while Fox News’ Brit Hume asserted that while President Biden could have made similar points, his delivery could not match Harris’s vigor.

ABC News analyst Donna Brazile highlighted the influence of Harris’s family on her ambitions, saying, “Tonight you heard a woman inspired by her mother to dream big and by her father to be fearless.”

As the night unfolded, Robert Costa of CBS News reflected on Harris’ comments, suggesting a new chapter for America, amid the looming challenges presented by an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Meanwhile, on social media, Trump continued to comment on Harris’s speech, concern for multiple national issues such as the border crisis, inflation, and crime resonating in his posts as she delivered her remarks.