Everybody’s talking about it at the Democratic National Convention – but nobody knows if it’s a rumor or reality.
It’s that Beyoncé will enter the 2024 political race, by performing her hit Freedom ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’ nominating speech Thursday night.
Supporters have tried to will both a Beyoncé and Taylor Swift endorsement into existence, with more than 70,000 signing a MoveOn.org petition asking the two stars to step up.
But it’s Queen Bey who’s been on the tip of everyone’s lips during the four-day convention in Chicago – with one Democratic state party chair openly saying in front of reporters that she was coming.
Campaign sources, convention organizers and even a publicist for Beyoncé DailyMail.com reached out to haven’t bit, but one source said the star’s name is on the backstage security list for Thursday night.
Beyoncé (left) during her one campaign appearance in 2016 in support of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. She and husband Jay Z (right) held a concert in support of Clinton in Cleveland just days before the election
Vice President Kamala Harris (left) will officially accept the Democratic nomination Thursday night. There have been rumors all week that Beyoncé will perform onstage beforehand
The White House’s political director Emmy Ruiz teased a Beyonce appearance by posting to X an emoji of a bee – which could stand for the Beyhive. She later posted, ‘Sorry guys my 6 year old took my phone’
The White House’s political director Emmy Ruiz also teased a Beyonce appearance by posting an emoji of a bee on X – which could signify the ‘Beyhive.’
Ruiz later posted: ‘Sorry guys my 6 year old took my phone.’
A Beyonce cameo would create a hat trick of the nation’s most powerful black women coming out in support of Harris – after former first lady Michelle Obama spoke Tuesday night and Oprah’s endorsrement of Harris on Wednesdy.
Beyonce already signaled her support of Harris – by allowing the vice president to use Freedom in her campaign ads and at rallies. She threatened to send a cease-and-desist to the Trump campaign after the same song was used in Trump’s social media.
And DailyMail.com reported earlier this month that Beyonce planned to attend a fundraiser for the Democratic nominee.
Convention organizers have already been able to pull off one surprise – Lil Jon’s appearance representing Georgia during Tuesday night’s musical roll call vote.
Ashley Spillane, the former head of Rock the Vote who was mastermind behind the rapper’s appearance said they were able to keep it quiet because only a small circle of people knew the rapper was coming.
‘He didn’t go to soundcheck the other day,’ Spillane also told DailyMail.com.
Most of the convention’s performers have done a mic check earlier in the day.
The convention’s most viral moment yet – Lil Jon’s spirited appearance during the musical roll call vote Tuesday – was kept a secret because only a small group of people knew about it and he didn’t go to mic check
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It’s how reporters knew that James Taylor was expected to perform – and then got cut from the schedule on day No. 1 after programming dragged on too late.
It went so long that President Joe Biden’s swan song speech ended after midnight on the east coast.
Winfrey knew going to mic check could ruin her surprise appearance so she went through her speech at the United Center wearing a hat, sunglasses and a face mask, The New York Times reported.
When Winfrey said hello to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the California congressman didn’t recognize her, Winfrey’s best friend, CBS’ Gayle King said.
During Thursday’s sound checks, attendees and those observing the convention from home were looking for any clue that the Cowboy Carter songstress would grace Chicago with her presence.
A drum line went through their performance – further sparking a frenzy that Beyonce could come.
Two white bedazzled jackets were also brought out onstage – stoking speculation that Swift and Beyonce could both come. Though Deadline previously reported that Swift didn’t plan to be on hand.
The Democratic National Convention has been far more Hollywood-friendly than its Republican counterpart – which boasted Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan as the top celebrity VIPS.
A drumline’s dress rehearsal had people online pushing the Beyonce theory, as she often performs with a drumline
Scandal star Kerry Washington is photographed during her dress rehearsal at the United Center Thursday ahead of her evening hosting gig
Actress Eva Longoria was also spotted onstage during soundchecks on Thursday
On Thursday alone, Scandal’s Kerry Washington did her mic check.
She was seen practicing a bit with the grand-nieces of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris – Meena Harris’ daughters Leela and Amara.
‘Hello, hello, I don’t want to say this part. I don’t want people to hear this part,’ Washington teased during the mic check – another sign there could be more surprise convention guests.
Actress Eva Longoria watched Washington’s soundcheck and then did one of her own.
Later in the afternoon, Pink appeared onstage and sang her hit, What About Us, several times.
The Chicks are also expected to perform that National Anthem Thursday night.