Beyoncé’s history of ‘upgrading’ high-profile Democrats
From Barack Obama to Kamala Harris, the ‘Formation’ singer has a history of using her influence for Democrats.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add new information.
The rumored Beyoncé appearance finally came true: The pop queen joined Vice President Kamala Harris onstage at a campaign rally in Houston on Friday.
Before introducing Harris as “the next president of the United States,” Beyoncé said she was speaking at the rally as a mother, “not a celebrity or politician.” She made a plea to voters: “We are at the precipice of an incredible shift,” she said. “Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you.”
The event also included a speech from Democrat Colin Allred, who is trying to defeat incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. Harris herself is currently in a tight presidential race against former President Donald Trump.
Beyoncé, who is from Houston, was joined by friend and Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland. The two were introduced by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, who also spoke at the rally.
There have been strong ties between Beyoncé and Harris throughout the campaign. Her mother, Knowles, immediately endorsed Harris following Biden’s announcement that he was ending his reelection bid, and Beyoncé gave Harris permission to use her 2016 song “Freedom” as Harris’ walk-up song on the campaign trail. It was also the backdrop of her first campaign ad. Plus, Harris’ vice presidential pick Tim Walz has been deemed a certified member of the Beyhive.
One of the most influential entertainers in the world, this election is not the first time Beyoncé has thrown her stardom behind Democratic politicians. Here’s a look back at her past political moments.
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2020: Beyoncé endorses Biden
On the day before the 2020 presidential election, Beyoncé revealed that she was supporting President Joe Biden over Trump.
She posted a video of herself on Instagram wearing a Biden-Harris face mask and an “I Voted” sticker on her hat. In the caption, she wrote “Come thru, Texas! #vote.”
2018: Beyoncé supports Beto O’Rourke
Just hours before the polls were set to close in Teas in the 2018 midterm elections, Beyoncé endorsed Democratic senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, who was running to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.
Wearing a baseball cap that read “Beto for Senate,” Beyoncé told her millions of Instagram followers, “We need you. We all need each other, because when we are truly united we are unstoppable.”
2016: Beyoncé says ‘I’m with her’ for Hillary Clinton
Just a few days before the fraught 2016 presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Trump, Beyoncé and her husband Jay Z headlined a Clinton concert where she performed “Formation,” “Freedom,” and “Run the World (Girls).”
Beyoncé then gave a speech where she unequivocally endorsed Clinton.
“Eight years ago, I was so inspired that my nephew, a young black child, could grow up knowing his dreams could be realized by witnessing a black president in office,” she said, referring to former President Barack Obama. “And now, we have the opportunity to create more change. I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and know that her possibilities are limitless.”
“That’s why I’m with her,” she added.
Beyoncé supports and performs for Obama
At Obama’s first Inaugural Ball in 2009, Beyoncé covered “At Last” by Etta James for Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
During his re-election campaign in 2012, she was very vocal in her support for Obama: appearing in one of his campaign ads, hosting a fundraiser for him, and even wearing earrings with his name on them.
The night before the election, Beyoncé shared a letter in support of Obama on Tumblr.
“You are the leader to take us from where we are to where we need to be,” she wrote. “You are the reason my daughter and nephew will grow up knowing that they can truly be ANYTHING they want to be.”
Four years after his first inauguration, Beyoncé again sang for the former president: this time at Obama’s 2013 Inauguration ceremony. She sang the “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Capitol.
Contributing: White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal and Managing Editor Madalyn Hoerr