In a high-energy rally at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium, music icon Beyoncé took the stage Friday night to throw her full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, calling on Texans to be part of “something bigger” as she introduced the VP as “the next President of the United States.” Beyoncé’s presence electrified the crowd of nearly 30,000 and underscored the urgency of Harris’s message as the VP aims to reverse a recent dip in polls ahead of Election Day.
Flanked by fellow stars Jessica Alba and Willie Nelson, Beyoncé highlighted her role as a mother more than a celebrity, focusing on the future she envisions for her children. “We are at the precipice of an incredible shift, the brink of history,” she told the audience. “Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations.” Emphasizing her commitment to reproductive rights and freedom, she added, “It’s time for America to sing a new song.”
A Star-Studded Event with a Purpose
The rally brought an array of Hollywood stars, musicians, and political figures together, with a lineup that included former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and music legend Willie Nelson. Rowland energized the crowd, declaring, “We are grabbing back the pen” before introducing Harris. Nelson, who performed “On the Road Again” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys,” also chimed in, rallying the crowd with, “Are we ready to say Madam President?”
Texas is known as a Republican stronghold, but Harris’s campaign targeted key issues affecting women’s health and reproductive rights, which have galvanized support for Democrats across the country since the fall of Roe v. Wade. Harris used the Texas rally to directly address Trump’s role in overturning abortion protections, dubbing him the “architect” of restrictive abortion laws sweeping the nation.
Harris Speaks Out on Reproductive Freedom
As Harris took the stage, she didn’t hold back. “In America, freedom is ours by right, and we are prepared to fight for it,” she declared, emphasizing that reproductive rights were “on the ballot” in this election. She directly linked Trump to the loss of abortion rights across the country, warning that a second Trump term could bring a nationwide ban. “Let us be clear: If Donald Trump wins again, he will ban abortion nationwide,” she said, underscoring the urgency of the election’s outcome.
Throughout the rally, Harris shared stories of Texans impacted by restrictive abortion laws, including a woman who suffered a life-threatening infection due to delayed medical care. Around the stadium, supporters held signs reading “trust women” and “fight for reproductive freedom,” underscoring Harris’s central message.
Revitalizing Support with Beyoncé’s Endorsement
For the Harris campaign, Beyoncé’s endorsement is a significant boost. Known for her previous support of Hillary Clinton in 2016 and her subtle endorsement of Joe Biden and Harris in 2020, Beyoncé’s backing resonates deeply with younger voters and Texas natives. Her hit song “Freedom” has become a fixture at Harris’s rallies, serving as the VP’s walk-up anthem and amplifying Harris’s focus on liberty and justice.
Beyoncé’s presence in Texas comes at a critical time. In a tight race, recent polls have shown Harris neck-and-neck with Trump, with both candidates holding 48 percent in the latest New York Times/Siena poll. As Election Day looms, the high-energy rally emphasized the stakes of the election, especially in swing states and on key issues like abortion rights.
Firing Up the Base
Beyond Beyoncé’s appearance, the rally reflected the broader momentum building in Harris’s campaign, with other Democratic heavyweights joining her on the trail. Last week, Harris hosted rallies with Usher, former President Obama, and Bruce Springsteen in Georgia, where she again underscored her commitment to defending reproductive rights and tackling health care disparities. On Saturday, Harris will make her first joint appearance with former First Lady Michelle Obama, adding another layer of support to her campaign.
For Harris, Beyoncé’s rally marked one of the largest gatherings of her 2024 campaign, an event Texas Democrats are calling pivotal in the race to expand voter turnout. With recent polling showing tight margins in key states, the Harris campaign is leaning on its star-studded supporters to amplify its message, motivate voters, and ultimately secure the Democratic path to the White House.
As Harris and her high-profile supporters continue their push, the big question remains: Can the star power of supporters like Beyoncé and Obama translate into votes? Or will Texas’s red roots hold strong? Either way, with Election Day approaching fast, Harris’s rally in Houston has set a high bar for excitement and anticipation across the country.
