Beyonce's anticipated enthusiasm at the Democratic National Convention experienced a dramatic deflation.
There was a substantial buzz among many as the final night of the Democratic National Convention approached, not merely due to Vice President Kamala Harris being slated to take the party's nomination, but also due to anticipation about the woman behind her campaign anthem potentially "rain on the thunder" and "wave through the waters" in Chicago's United Center.
Much like popular rumors in popular culture, speculations about Beyoncé's potential presence at the DNC appeared and disappeared – primarily on social media.
Ever since CNN reported in July that Beyoncé had given Vice President Harris permission to use her 2016 song "Freedom" for her presidential campaign, queries arose.
Would Beyoncé officially endorse Harris? Was there a possibility of a concert in her support? And most surprisingly, could Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, two of the world's biggest artists, collaborate to support Harris in Chicago?
Some people pointed to apparent signs suggesting an inevitable Beyoncé appearance at the convention – her private jet was rumored to have landed at O'Hare, the house band was rehearsing Beyoncé songs, and "Cowboy Kamala" sashes were noticeable among the Washington delegation. It seemed plausible she would show up.
Shasti Conrad, the Washington Democratic Party's chair, shared her views with the Washington State Standard, underscoring her appreciation for both the singer and the vice president – a Beyhive and "KHive" member.
"The Beyhive is essentially what the KHive built upon – a fervent fan base for both," Conrad said. "So we decided to celebrate these two incredible women of color and this cultural and political moment."
A bee emoji posted by White House political director Emily Ruiz added fuel to the anticipation.
Given the vibrant concert-like atmosphere throughout the star-studded DNC throughout the week – taking account of Oprah Winfrey's unexpected appearance on Wednesday night – and a post from the X account "Angry Staffer," promising a momentous event on Thursday, everyone eagerly awaited what was to come.
"I've been sworn to secrecy, but you don't want to miss the DNC tonight," the now-deleted post read. "If you thought the Oprah surprise was big, just wait."
By Thursday evening, TMZ declared that Beyoncé would indeed be performing. Media outlets, including CNN, contacted representatives to confirm; while social media held its breath.
Given Beyoncé's history of performances at Democratic events – such as President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball in 2008, Obama's second presidential Inauguration in 2013, and a pre-election concert in Ohio for Hillary Clinton in 2016 – and her endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020, it seemed inevitable.
However, the pop culture dream eventually came to an end when The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Beyoncé wouldn't be participating in the DNC.
"She was never scheduled to be in Chicago," Beyoncé's representative Yvette Noel-Schure stated to CNN.
TMZ issued an apology with lyrics from Beyoncé's "Texas Hold ‘Em" song to rectify their mistake.
"To quote Beyoncé: We gotta lay our cards down, down, down ... we got this one wrong," the revised story read.
The X account that seemed to have instigated the initial buzz – Angry Staffer – also issued a mea culpa, acknowledging, "Re: special guest rumor - I'm not sure where it started, but the people who told me aren't prone to hyperbole."
Regardless, the internet's thirst for fantasies continues.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this story.
Despite the buzz and numerous speculations, Beyonce's representative confirmed that she wasn't scheduled to perform at the DNC, dashing the hopes of many who anticipated an entertaining collaboration between Beyonce and Taylor Swift.
The excitement surrounding potential entertainment at the DNC remained high, with Beyonce'_s potential appearance serving as a significant talking point, despite the eventual confirmation that she wouldn't be participating.
