That loud buzz you heard yesterday was the sound of the BeyHive getting ready for rumors that Beyoncé would be appearing as a special guest at the final episode of the Democratic National Convention. After hours of anticipation, in a shocking development, the rumor was debunked as false, sending social media into a frenzy.
That same day, multiple “sources” on social media spread rumors about Beyoncé, which quickly escalated into larger rumors of a Beyoncé live performance, with people posting clips of soundchecks featuring her music.
This soundcheck should reveal who tonight’s special guest is.pic.twitter.com/4oPmCQ9rBY
— Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) August 22, 2024
Shortly after, in a now-infamous moment, TMZ reported that multiple sources confirmed that Beyoncé “will be the big surprise performer when Vice President Harris formally accepts the Democratic nomination for president.”
“As you can imagine, Beyoncé’s appearance is a huge event not only for Harris and the party, but for Chicago. We’re told the Chicago Police Department is on high alert as they provide security for Beyoncé at the United Center arena,” the report said.
Oh, and that’s not all: The White House political director tweeted a bee emoji, further fueling suspicions of a special appearance.
White House Political Director: https://t.co/JII6N3Mm49
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 22, 2024
Naturally, the Hive (and the internet at large) went into a frenzy that Queen Beyoncé might be taking to the televised stage for the first time in years.
Kamala Harris backstage while Beyonce was performing tonight
— COWBOY CARTER Update 𐚁 ⭑ (@B7Album) August 22, 2024
Kamala on the mute challenge during Beyonce’s performance at tonight’s Democratic National Convention: pic.twitter.com/XGmrYxAH2s
— wiLLL (@willfulchaos) August 22, 2024
Me when Beyonce comes on tonight pic.twitter.com/kbHTDuS8iT
— Klevinjo (@itzklevinjo) August 23, 2024
However, just before the convention finale began, conflicting reports emerged that Beyoncé would not be there: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Beyoncé will not be attending the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
“Beyonce was not scheduled to be there,” her representative Yvette Noelle Schur told the outlet, adding, “The reports of a performance are unfounded.”
She later posted on Instagram of herself watching the Democratic National Convention from home.
“Please don’t report rumors and stay focused,” Schur wrote.
In a rare defeat for a reliable breaking news source, TMZ rejoined the chat, admitting their reporting had been inaccurate, writing, “To quote the great Beyoncé, ‘We need to keep our cards down…we were wrong this time.'”
To quote the great Beyonce, “You have to lay your cards down… I got it wrong this time.”
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 23, 2024
And the ensuing drag to hell and back was downright comical.
Black Twitter to TMZ: pic.twitter.com/UfavyXFB4Y
— hellresidentNY 🖤 (@hellresidentNY) August 23, 2024
.From TMZ pic.twitter.com/4AH3sbwq3d
— Beyonce Press (@beyoncepress) August 23, 2024
So, solve this mystery for me: what was your reason for reporting that lie? From TMZ pic.twitter.com/6rBSI314ER
— 💁🏾♀️ (@ItsJazzNoE_____) August 23, 2024
What would you have liked to see Beyoncé do at the Democratic National Convention? An inspiring speech, a performance, or both? Tell us below, and take a look behind the scenes at the hilarious fracas surrounding Queen Beyoncé’s fake appearance.