The anticipation for a Beyoncé performance at Vice President Kamala Harris' Texas rally turned into disappointment when the star only delivered an endorsement speech.
According to the New York Post, Fans were left feeling misled as Beyoncé did not perform at the event, despite earlier rumors of a live act.
Rumors had swirled that Beyoncé would take the stage to perform at the Houston rally held on October 25, 2024, which drew a crowd of 30,000 people. Instead of singing, Beyoncé chose to speak to the crowd, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
During the event, Beyoncé emphasized her role as a concerned mother and urged the attendees to support Harris, emphasizing the need for progressive leadership that aligns with the values she holds dear as a parent.
Beyoncé's speech highlighted her perspective on the current social and political climate and the need for change. “I’m here as a mother, a mother who cares about the world our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we are not divided, our past or present or future,” she explained.
Despite the powerful endorsements and the presence of fellow Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland, many attendees and online commenters expressed dissatisfaction that Beyoncé did not perform as they had hoped. Instead, 91-year-old Willie Nelson performed, leading to some displeasure among the younger audience.
Critics took to social media to express their frustrations. One critic accused Vice President Kamala Harris of misleading her followers to expect a Beyoncé concert, which ended up being a no-show, instead offering a performance by Willie Nelson, whom they referred to as “washed up.”
In her endorsement, Beyoncé passionately communicated her reasons for supporting Harris. She stated: “We’re all part of something much bigger. We must vote and we need you.”
Harris has received widespread celebrity support throughout her campaign, securing endorsements from figures like Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The event sparked heavily mixed online reactions, with some commentators criticizing Kamala Harris' campaign tactics and arguing it reflected broader issues of unfulfilled promises.
“She can’t even deliver on promises to her followers with a Beyoncé performance, but yes she will close the border and stuff,” a social media user sarcastically remarked, highlighting a theme of distrust.
Beyoncé wrapped up her speech with an emphatic endorsement, encouraging the crowd to see Harris as the next leader of the nation. “Let’s do this. Ladies and gentlemen, give a big, loud Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris,” she concluded.
In summary, the rally in Houston was notable not only for Beyoncé's endorsement and Willie Nelson's performance but also for the backlash from those who felt baited by expectations of a Beyoncé concert. Vice President Kamala Harris continues to gather significant celebrity endorsements as the presidential race heats up, reflecting both the high stakes and the high-profile involvement in this election cycle.
