DNC disappoints netizens with no ‘surprise guest’ after speculations about Beyonce and Taylor Swift's appearance

Online speculation about a "special guest" at the DNC's final night proved to be misguided when no unscheduled stars crashed the party.

Published on: Aug 23, 2024, 10:46:20 IST

AFPPosted by Shweta Kukreti

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Online speculation about a "special guest" at the Democratic National Convention's final night proved to be misguided when no unscheduled stars crashed the party.

At DNC, Kamala Harris hugs Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff after speaking on the fourth and last day of the event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 22, 2024. (AFP)

Beyonce had been the name lighting up social media ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris' primetime address.

Celebrity gossip site TMZ had fueled the fire with an all-caps headline on its homepage screaming "performing at DNC's final night!!!" above a picture of the megastar.

Taylor Swift was also one of the names that circulated in media and political circles, with celebrity watchers trying to ascertain the whereabouts of private jets the pop icon has previously used.

Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, currently a US senator who has criticized former president Donald Trump, was even moved to deny it would be him.

"Contrary to fake news posts, I am not the surprise guest at the DNC tonight. My guess is that it will be Beyoncé or Taylor Swift," Romney posted on X. "So disappointing, I know!"

His fellow Republican George W. Bush was put forward as a contender for the rumored surprise spot, with "Republicans against Trump" posting a picture of Bush embracing then first lady Michelle Obama to the account's 765,000 followers on X.

One wag suggested it would be the divisive Raygun, whose breakdancing efforts at the Paris Olympics spawned a plethora of mocking memes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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