Beyonce’s Rally for Harris Puts Her Political Influence to the Test
Superstar singer Beyonce’ made her first public political appearance of this election cycle at a rally for Kamala Harris in Houston on Friday night. Instead of performing, she took the stage to support the Democratic presidential candidate at a critical moment. As a Houston native, Beyonce received roaring applause from the crowd of around 30,000 at Vice President Harris’ abortion rights-themed rally, joined by her former Destiny’s Child bandmate, Kelly Rowland.
Instead of performing, Beyonce spoke to the crowd for several minutes. “I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” she said. “Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right.”
She then introduced Harris, who walked onstage to her campaign anthem, “Freedom” from Beyonce’s 2016 album “Lemonade.” Beyonce gave the vice president a warm embrace before leaving the stage.
Harris’ summer lead over Republican opponent Donald Trump in the race for the November 5 election has nearly vanished, according to national opinion polls. Her campaign reports that she is now within the margin of error in the key battleground states that will likely determine the outcome.
However, Harris has gained a significant edge over Trump among women, who constitute a large portion of Beyonce’s audience, according to most polls and surveys. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published in late August showed Harris leading Trump by 49% to 36%, a 13-point advantage, among women voters.
“Beyonce stands as one of the entertainment industry’s most influential women at a historic moment when the most powerful woman in the U.S. is running for President,” said Melvin L. Williams, a communications professor at Pace University.
Williams expressed doubt that Beyonce would sway voters who are uncertain about Harris. “We must acknowledge that celebrities are great political advertisers, but they are not guarantors of political victory for candidates,” he added.
The rally in Beyonce’s hometown concludes a series of political appearances and politically charged artistic works. In 2008, Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z held a rally for Barack Obama, and Beyonce performed the national anthem and Etta James’ “At Last” at Obama’s 2009 inauguration. She also rallied for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016 and endorsed Joe Biden and Harris on Instagram in 2020.
With 314 million Instagram followers, Beyonce provides Harris with access to a crucial segment of the U.S. population, particularly Black and younger voters, in a tight race against Trump. Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts and Jane Fonda, along with musicians Bruce Springsteen, Usher, and Lizzo, are campaigning for Harris. Trump has garnered support from Ultimate Fighting stars, wrestler Hulk Hogan, and musicians Ted Nugent and Kid Rock.
Young women in Houston had mixed reactions to Beyonce’s politically charged performance. “Beyonce is a national icon because, at the end of the day, we all have our own views and values. Beyonce is brave enough to stand by her values despite judgment,” said Nadira Smith, 27. However, Sydney Mukavetz, 25, originally from Michigan and living in Houston for a year, found celebrities at political rallies “a little weird.” “It feels like an endorsement and a performance are very different,” Mukavetz said.
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