Watch: Oprah, Kerry Washington, Pink, Shine at Star-Studded Democratic National Convention
The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was like the Oscars meets politics, with a red carpet rolled out at the United Center for Hollywood’s brightest stars. Picture music legends, blockbuster actors, and stand-up comedians all showing up to back Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Over four dazzling days, the convention wasn’t just about nominating the presidential ticket—it was a full-on celebrity showdown, adding a serious splash of Hollywood glitz to the political stage.
Music Stars
Music was the beating heart of the convention, with a diverse array of performers lending their voices to the Democratic cause. Legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle graced the stage, delivering soul-stirring renditions that had delegates swaying in their seats. Meanwhile, contemporary stars such as Pink, John Legend, Maren Morris, and The Chicks brought their unique styles to the mix, captivating audiences with powerful performances that resonated with the party’s ideals.
P!nk, who is performing a sold-out show in Chicago this weekend, took the stage to perform her 2017 hit, “What About Us,” which calls for unity. She was joined by two backing vocalists and her 13-year-old daughter, Willow Sage Hart, who frequently performs with her mom at her concerts.
One of the most poignant musical moments came when John Legend and percussionist Sheila E. paid tribute to the late Prince, a Minnesota native, with a rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy.” The electrifying performance served as a fitting prelude to Governor Walz’s acceptance speech, evoking the spirit of the state he hails from.
Maren Morris, who has been vocal about the sociopolitical divide in country music, performed her hit “Better Than We Found It,” lending her voice to the party’s progressive platform.
The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, performed the National Anthem, marking a notable booking given the band’s contentious history with conservative country music fans.
Other musical performances also embraced lesser-known artists like Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton, ensuring a diverse representation of musical genres and styles. This means that not everyone attending the DNC was an A-List star
Actors and Comedians
Beyond the musical acts, a list of Hollywood luminaries took to the podium, lending their star power and influential voices to the Democratic cause. Actress and activist Kerry Washington, best known for her role in the hit political thriller series “Scandal,” served as the host for the convention’s final night, guiding attendees through the pronunciation of Kamala Harris’s name with the help of the VP’s great-nieces. Kerry’s “Scandal” co-star, Tony Goldwyn also appeared. He and Kerry led the crowd in a chant of “Yes We Kam”.
Actress and director Eva Longoria, a vocal supporter of reproductive rights, also graced the stage, speaking ahead of Harris on the convention’s closing night. Eva Longoria even skipped out on the “Only Murders in The Building” premiere to attend the Democratic National Convention. She is starring in the latest season which premieres next week.
Actress Mindy Kaling, who hosted one of the nights, joked about her Gen Z status, highlighting the party’s efforts to appeal to a diverse range of age groups.
On the comedy side, Kenan Thompson and D.L. Hughley brought levity to the proceedings, with the former discussing Project 2025 and the latter delivering a few well-timed jabs at former President Donald Trump. Even Stephen Colbert made an appearance, donning Chicago Bulls gear and engaging in his signature brand of satirical commentary.
Oprah’s Surprise Appearance
Oprah Winfrey, a titan of the entertainment industry, lent her influential voice to the proceedings, delivering a rousing speech that underscored the significance of Harris’s nomination. Wearing a purple outfit, Oprah emphasized the importance of unity, urging Americans to look beyond political divisions. She used a compelling analogy about helping neighbors in crisis regardless of differences, and encouraged everyone to vote based on values, character, and decency in the upcoming election.
A Delicate Balance
Despite the star-studded lineup, the Democratic National Convention walked a fine line, striving to showcase its celebrity support while avoiding the perception of being out of touch or saturated with unrelatable glamour. Celebrities like Kaling and Thompson made concerted efforts to forge personal connections with attendees, sharing anecdotes about their relationships with Harris and their experiences as parents.
A Throwback to Optimism
As the convention unfolded, it couldn’t help but evoke nostalgia for the Obama era, a time when many Democrats basked in a sense of hope and optimism. The presence of familiar faces like Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder, both of whom had endorsed and campaigned for Barack Obama, served as a poignant reminder of those halcyon days.
This throwback vibe was further amplified by the convention’s embrace of “Obamacore” – the cultural touchstones that defined the Obama years but are now viewed by some as cringe-worthy in their optimism. From Kenan Thompson’s tenure on “Saturday Night Live” spanning multiple administrations to Kaling’s peak popularity during the Obama era, the convention seemed to revel in the nostalgia of a bygone era while simultaneously looking ahead to the future.
Conclusion
The 2024 Democratic National Convention was a masterclass in mixing politics with pizzazz, using Hollywood’s star power to boost the party’s message while keeping just the right balance between sparkle and substance. The event was a parade of iconic musicians, beloved actors, and top-tier comedians, all showcasing the depth and diversity of the Democrats’ celebrity support.
But beneath the glitz, the convention stayed true to its mission: nominating a presidential ticket ready to lead the nation in a new direction. As Kamala Harris and Tim Walz stepped into the spotlight, backed by a chorus of cultural icons, it was clear the Democratic Party was ready for a fresh chapter—one that combined the vibrancy of a new generation with the wisdom of the past.
In the end, the 2024 DNC was a smashing success, blending politics and entertainment into a show-stopping event that captivated the nation. As the lights dimmed on the United Center, one thing was crystal clear: the stage was set for an epic battle in the months ahead, with Hollywood’s brightest stars shining their light on the fight for America’s future.
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