No, Beyoncé Did Not Perform at the DNC—Contrary to False TMZ Report

 **Topline:** Speculation about a surprise Beyoncé performance at the Democratic National Convention reached a high point on Thursday following a TMZ report suggesting her appearance. However, Beyoncé did not take the stage, as Vice President Kamala Harris concluded the convention that evening.

**Key Facts:**

Rumors about Beyoncé's potential performance had been circulating for days, with speculation intensifying after TMZ reported she was scheduled to appear on the final day of the convention in Chicago, citing anonymous sources. 

Shortly after TMZ's report, a representative for Beyoncé told The Hollywood Reporter that the performance claim was false, and she had never been scheduled to attend. The Washington Post later confirmed through convention organizers that there was no special guest planned for Thursday.

Beyoncé, who had previously endorsed Joe Biden in 2020, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Barack Obama in 2012, had given the Harris-Walz campaign exclusive rights to use her song “Freedom,” which has been featured at Harris’s campaign rallies.

Speculation about a Beyoncé performance was further fueled when White House political director Emily Ruiz tweeted a single bee emoji, hinting at Beyoncé’s fan base, known as the “BeyHive.” She later clarified that the tweet was a mistake made by her child.

On Tuesday, Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison neither confirmed nor denied the rumors during an interview with CBS Mornings, instead commenting, “Every day, she’s in here singing ‘Freedom.’”

**What to Watch For:**

In addition to Beyoncé, rumors about a potential Taylor Swift performance have also circulated this week. Swift, who supported Biden in 2020 and other Democratic candidates in recent years, has yet to endorse a candidate in the current presidential race.

**Tangent:**

The convention featured performances from Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Pink, and country music singer Maren Morris.

**Further Reading:**

Harris is set to accept her party's nomination for president on the final night of the convention, following President Joe Biden's decision to step down from the race on July 21. Harris’s candidacy has reinvigorated and united Democrats, with prominent figures like former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, endorsing her presidential bid while criticizing former President Donald Trump.