The singer, Pink, joins an illustrious roster of artists who have graced the stages of Chicago's nights preceding hers, a list that boasts the likes of Lil Jon, the soulful Maren Morris, and the legendary John Legend. According to the Associated Press, Pink is poised to steal the spotlight at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, preceding Vice President Kamala Harris' triumphant acceptance speech.
This week, Chicago's United Arena has been abuzz with a star-studded lineup, with Pink rounding off an impressive array of performers that includes not just Lil Jon and Stevie Wonder but also Maren Morris, John Legend, and a host of others. This performance marks a significant milestone for Pink, her maiden voyage into the realm of high-profile political events. Known for her powerful anthem "Just Give Me A Reason," she has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, famously disowning fans who supported the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, declaring, "Never fucking listen to my music again. And also, fuck right off."
On the third night, a heartfelt tribute to Minnesota, Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz's home state, unfolded as Legend and Sheila E. belted out Prince's iconic "Let's Go Crazy," a nod to the late legend who hailed from Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Wednesday saw a delightful surprise as Stevie Wonder took the stage, his hit "Higher Ground" echoing through the arena. Addressing the crowd, he invoked a sense of urgency, saying, "This is the moment to remember: when you tell your children where you were and what you did. Standing at the crossroads of history's pain and tomorrow's promises, we must choose courage over complacency. It's time to rise and cast your vote."
The second night witnessed Lil Jon igniting the stadium with his 2013 smash "Turn Down for What," setting the tone before Georgia pledged its allegiance to Harris. Throughout the evening, DJ Cassidy curated a mesmerizing playlist, introducing each state and territory during the delegate roll call with a carefully selected song.
Music has been a cornerstone of Harris' campaign, with Beyoncé lending her empowering track "Freedom" to her historic White House bid. This song subsequently featured prominently in a Harris-Walz ad, kickstarting the DNC on Monday with a bang.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to both the Harris campaign and Pink's representatives for further insights into this musical odyssey.
