Nexstar Media Wire News

The celebrities who have appeared at the 2024 DNC

(NEXSTAR) – Thousands have flooded into Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, including a handful of celebrities, from an NBA head coach to actors, comedians, and musicians.

Here’s a look at the celebrities who have spoken, performed (or are scheduled to), or have appeared at the DNC in Chicago as of Thursday morning.

Musical performances

One of the night’s big performances came from pop artist Pink and her daughter, Willow Sage Heart, who sang a dialed back version of Pink’s 2017 song “What About Us.”

Thursday night, country music trio The Chicks rang in the night’s third hour with an a cappella rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Grammy Award-winning group are well-known for their support of the Democratic party, including an impromptu 2003 comment about then Pres. George W. Bush which essentially derailed their careers.

Performing on Monday night were country music artist Mickey Guyton and multi-Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell. James Taylor was also set to sing, but was scratched due to timing.


A pair of convention alums, singer Patti LaBelle and actor and musician Common, helped kick off the second night of the DNC on Tuesday. LaBelle previously took the DNC stage in 2004, and more recently, performed during Biden’s Juneteenth Concert. Common previously performed at the 2020 DNC.

Atlanta native Lil Jon ran out during Georgia’s turn during roll call, performing his hit song with DJ Snake, “Turn Down for What,” to the delight of the thousands inside the cavernous United Center.

Singer-songwriter Maren Morris, Stevie Wonder and John Legend performed on Wednesday.

Speakers

“Scandal” actor Kerry Washington took the stage to promote individual responsibility through the election cycle. “You are the Olivia Popes!” she pronounced, referencing her iconic character from the hit ABC show. Washington urged people to, like Pope, take charge of their own power for change and to make sure their families and friends understand what’s at stake.

Washington was surprised by “Scandal” co-star and love interest Tony Goldwyn, who spoke during the first night of the convention.

Other speakers for Thursday night included actor and comedian D.L. Hughley and actor Eva Longoria.

On Tuesday, Republican strategist and co-host of ABC’s “The View” Ana Navarro spoke.

Wednesday, headlining celebrity speakers included Mindy Kaling, known for her roles in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project;” comedian Kenan Thompson; and Oprah Winfrey.

On Thursday, Golden State Warrior point guard Steph Curry appeared via video, opining that Harris can “bring unity” back to the U.S.

Celebrities as delegates

A handful of celebrities were found among the state delegations on Tuesday, including director and producer Spike Lee for New York and actor Wendell Pierce for Louisiana.

Joining the Indiana delegation was actor Sean Astin (“The Goonies,” “Rudy”), who has recently been campaigning for Harris. Speaking with Nexstar on Tuesday, Astin said he’s willing to leave a “Sean-sized hole-in-the-wall” wherever the campaign would let him.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

While the “Veep” star was not at the main DNC event, on Wednesday, Louis-Dreyfus attended an event in Chicago aimed at highlighting the “essential leadership” of female governors. She also made a surprise appearance at a climate event in Chicago.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Julia Louis-Dreyfus speaks onstage during the Marvel Studios panel in Hall H at SDCC in San Diego, California on July 27, 2024. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

There had been speculation of other celebrities making appearances at the DNC, like Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Charli XCX, who backed Harris earlier this year and called her “brat” — a resounding endorsement among young voters. Ultimately, none of these artists appeared at the DNC.

The Hill’s Miranda Nazzaro and The Associated Press contributed to this report.