Beyoncé's music soundtracks politics again: A look back at other top moments
Beyoncé's 2016 song "Freedom" is finding its way back into the limelight thanks to presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who used it in her first campaign ad and as walk-up music after receiving the permission from the superstar.
It's certainly not the first time Beyoncé's music has been the soundtrack for political events. So far, Beyoncé has not yet publicly endorsed a candidate this year. But her track record indicates she is not shy about supporting presidential candidates and encouraging fans to exercise their rights to vote.
In 2020, the Grammy Award-winning singer endorsed President Joe Biden and Harris by sharing a photo on her Instagram.
Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mom, has already showed her support for Harris, after Biden announced he was ending his bid for reelection and endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Recently, Harris got the green light from Beyoncé's team to use her 2016 song "Freedom" featuring Kendrick Lamar throughout her presidential campaign. And hours after approval, Harris walked out to the tune during her first official visit to her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.
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Amid a historic election cycle, here's a look back at top moments when the "Ya Ya" singer's music or vocals have been used at political events.
Beyoncé sings for Barack, Michelle Obama at Inaugural Ball
In January 2009, Beyoncé sang Etta James' classic hit "At Last" for former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as the couple took their first dance in the positions. The sweet serenade took place at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.
Beyoncé sings at President Barack Obama Inauguration
Four years later, the superstar took the stage at Barack Obama's 2013 Inauguration ceremony. Beyoncé famously sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for the large crowd in Washington.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z perform at Hillary Clinton event
In 2016, the "Cowboy Carter" creator and her husband, hip-hop mogul Jay Z, headlined a rally for for then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in Cleveland, Ohio. During the concert, Beyoncé talked about the U.S. potentially electing its first female president.
“I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless,” Beyoncé said at the time. “And that’s why I am with her.”
She was sure to perform her 2016 hit "Formation," which declares, "OK, ladies, now let's get in formation 'cause I slay."
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
