The Chicks Perform National Anthem at 2024 Democratic National Convention

The Chicks played into this year’s Democratic theme of patriotism on the closing night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

The country music group — made up of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer — delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’ speech on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Chicago.

Huddled tightly around the microphone, the trio sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” a capella. When the song ended, the packed United Center auditorium erupted, chanting “U.S.A.” on repeat.

The Chicks’ performance at the DNC is significant considering their music career was previously marred by their political beliefs.

Back in March 2003, Maines famously spoke out against former President George W. Bush.

“Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas,” the Texas native told the audience.

The band quickly faced backlash. Their music was boycotted, their record sales plummeted and they received death threats (Later, Maines issued an apology for her comments, calling them “disrespectful,” but took back her apology years later.)

In 2006, the band made a Grammy-winning comeback with their response album Taking the Long Way.

Wednesday night, the DNC featured a performance from John Legend, who was joined by Prince collaborator Sheila E. and Stevie Wonder who delivered an energetic rendition of Prince and the Revolution’s 1984 classic “Let’s Go Crazy” from Purple Rain, per footage from KSDK News.

The set was a warm welcome for Minnesota native Tim Walz, who accepted the vice presidential nomination.

Maren Morris also took the stage to support Vice President Harris singing her 2020 protest song, “Better Than We Found It,” which was released in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to express her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.