Beyoncé spoke at a Houston rally for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. However, she did not perform as she did in 2016 at Hilary Clinton’s presidential campaign rally in Cleveland.
Beyoncé made a high-profile appearance at Kamala Harris’ reproductive rights rally on Friday at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium. She spoke alongside Destiny’s Child member and childhood friend Kelly Rowland.
The 32-time Grammy winner appeared on stage with Kelly Rowland at the Democratic presidential nominee’s rally in their hometown. They endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket and encouraged their fellow Texans to do the same.
Beyoncé began by addressing the crowd and her Texas roots, “H-town! We are so happy to be standing here on this stage as proud country Texan women, supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris.”
She continued, “A woman who’s been pushing for what this country really needs right now: unity. It’s impossible to not feel the energy in this room. The positivity, the community, the humanity.”
Beyoncé went on to say that she was there as a mother, concerned about her children’s future in America.
“We are at the precipice of an incredible shift, the brink of history. I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we’re not divided. Our past, our present, and our future merge to meet us here. Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings and no limitations. Imagine our grandmothers; imagine what they feel right now. Those who have lived to see this historic day.”
“We must vote, and we need you,” Beyoncé said. “It’s time to sing a new song. A song that began 248 years ago. The old notes of downfall, discord, and despair no longer resonate. Our generations of loved ones before us are whispering a prophecy, a quest, a calling, an anthem. Our moment right now. It’s time for America to sing a new song. Our voices sing a chorus of unity. They sing a song of dignity and opportunity. Are y’all ready to add your voice to the new American song? Because I am. So let’s do this! Ladies and gentlemen, please, give a big loud Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris.”
As one of the most influential women in entertainment, Beyoncé’s endorsement of Harris is seen as a game-changer, especially in a key state like Texas. Her support could have a lasting impact on voter turnout and engagement, especially among young people and communities of color.
Since Harris was chosen as the Democratic candidate in the election, Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Freedom” has been Harris’ campaign anthem and has appeared in campaign advertisements, implying an endorsement on Beyoncé’s part.
Last night in Houston, Beyoncé officially pledged her support for Harris by appearing at the rally in her native city.