Taylor Swift and Beyoncé singing at Democratic National Convention? Delegates are dreaming

CHICAGO — Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention might have looked a bit like a concert as delegates wore flashing, light-up bracelets in the United Center during its ceremonial roll call for presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Later, former first lady Michelle Obama cemented her rockstar status with a rousing speech that had some delegates falling all over themselves.

And a real musical artist even showed up on the convention floor — rapper Lil Jon strutted among delegates changing the words of his hit song “Get Low” to support Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, doing so as the Georgia ceremonial roll call was announced.

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Still, Democratic delegates had no problem dreaming even bigger about potential musical guests for Wednesday and Thursday when asked by Raw Story who they hoped might surprise the thousands of people gathered at Chicago’s United Center.

“John Legend,” said Robert Rios with the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation, expressing love for his “Ordinary People” song.

Robert Rios, U.S. Virgin Islands delegate. (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

“Madonna,” said Beth Davidson, a New York delegate and Rockland County legislator. “Shows my age.”

“Jennifer Hudson,” John Gumbs Jr., another delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands, said.

But pop megastars Taylor Swift and Beyoncé got the most resounding votes — and their names have been circulating the rumor mill for surprise musical guests, even if reports indicate Swift won't be in Chicago this week. (A top party official didn’t rule out the possibility of a Beyoncé appearance, Forbes reported, and remote video for either musician is always an option.)

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“Oh, Beyoncé,” said Crystal Martinez, a delegate from California, saying her hopes for an appearance from the star were “the highest.”

“Taylor Swift,” said Hannah Wroblewski with the Nebraska delegation, who considers herself a Swiftie and showed off a friendship bracelet that said “Vote.”

“Beyoncé” said Carol Blood, a Nebraska state senator.

Hannah Wroblewski and Carol Blood of the Nebraska delegation. (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

“A tie between Taylor Swift and Beyoncé,” said Keri Thompson, a Massachusetts delegate.

“How about together?” Raw Story asked.

“That would be even better,” Thompson said.

Keri Thompson and Leslie Templeton of the Massachusetts delegation. (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

Thompson theorized a Swift appearance could be within reach.

“We do have the wristbands that Taylor uses at her concerts. At least they’re using that idea,” Thompson said. “Taylor's still in London, but she’s almost done.”

Leslie Templeton, another Massachusetts delegate chimed in, “I would cry. I would cry for either, actually.”

If Madonna doesn’t show up, Davidson would be happy to see either Swift or Beyoncé.

Beth Davidson, New York delegate. (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

“They can't do a duet? I like them both for different reasons,” she said. “My daughter's a Swiftie, but I’m with Queen Bey.”

Gumbs would want to hear Beyoncé — specifically her song “Listen” — if given the choice between the two, as would Rios.

John Gumbs, Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation. (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

“It's a powerful song, especially what's going on and being able to have our own voice,” Gumbs said. “We as Americans need to have our own voice and speak up and fight for what's right.”

Swift has not yet endorsed Harris although some experts predict it’s likely. She endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020.

Beyoncé has given a subtle endorsement to Harris by allowing her to use her song “Freedom” during her first visit to her campaign headquarters and in a campaign video.

Musical performances have long been features of national political conventions, and the Democrats’ 2024 affair — the first in-person convention in eight years — is no exception.

But there have already been hitches.

“Fire and Rain” singer-songwriter James Taylor was scheduled to perform Monday but got cut as speeches ran past midnight Eastern time. The Monday convention speeches started late in part due to pro-Palestine protesters tearing down security fencing, delaying buses carrying delegates.

Gumbs, for one, didn’t really care about Taylor — the older male one — getting scratched, but Martinez said she hoped the legendary performer would play on one of the convention’s final two days.

“Maybe he'll have an opportunity to come back,” Martinez said. “I grew up with James Taylor, so it would be neat, but I understand.”

Crystal Martinez, California delegate (Photo by Alexandria Jacobson/Raw Story)

Spokespeople for the Democratic National Convention did not immediately respond to questions from Raw Story about musical performances on Wednesday and Thursday.