The most recent presidential election has been tense for many in America. Vice President Kamala Harris has reached out to president-elect Donald Trump to acknowledge his win. Amidst Trump’s resurgence, I (your beloved YSL News columnist) would like to offer a chance to smile in a rather somber moment.

Since August, Harris has campaigned across 11 states, as reported by Axios. Her rallies have included special guests like Cardi B, Beyoncé, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with numerous musical acts that have energized the audience.

Trying to distract myself from well, everything. I decided to evaluate some of the standout performances.

Megan Thee Stallion at a Harris rally in Atlanta

The Houston-raised rapper gave a vibrant performance at Harris’ inaugural rally in Atlanta. Megan Thee Stallion and her dancers wore blue suits, reminiscent of the outfits Beyoncé’s dancers wore at a Hillary Clinton event back in 2016. She kicked off her set with “Girls in the Hood.” The line, “I’m sick of motherf—ers tryna tell me how to live,” felt less like a personal statement and more like a political battle cry. After performing “Mamushi,” she smoothly transitioned into “Body.” “I know my ladies in the audience love their bodies,” she declared. “And if you want to keep loving your body ‒ you know who to vote for!” #HottiesforHarris

Kofi score: 4/5

Bon Iver performs in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Justin Vernon, the lead of Bon Iver, took the stage at a Harris rally in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, joined by bandmates Sean Carey and Michael Lewis. Their performance had a calm, reflective vibe, mirroring much of the band’s style, fostering a moment of contemplation amidst the political climate. They played tracks like “Towers,” “Flume,” and “666 ʇ.” Before their closing song, an acoustic version of “The Battle Cry of Freedom” by George Frederick Root, Vernon explained, “We all know what we’re here for, so let’s make some music and pave the way for those whose voices need to be heard.”

Kofi score: 4/5

Bruce Springsteen performs alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and Obama

Bruce Springsteen is often viewed as the embodiment of American spirit. Recently, he joined Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and former President Barack Obama at a Harris rally in Atlanta, where he delivered an acoustic set.

“I’m looking for a president who respects the Constitution, who aims to safeguard our democracy instead of threatening it, who believes in the rule of law and upholds the peaceful transfer of power, who will advocate for women’s rights, and who aspires to cultivate a middle-class economy that serves everyone,” expressed Springsteen. “There’s only one candidate who values these principles, and that’s Kamala Harris.”

Eight days prior to Election Day, the legendary rock star lent his influence to a Harris rally in Philadelphia, performing a solo acoustic set featuring his classics like “The Promised Land” and “Dancing in the Dark.”

Kofi score: 3/5

Maggie Rogers performs ‘Don’t Forget Me’ in Ann Arbor, Michigan

During a rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers captivated the audience with her songs “Light On,” “Don’t Forget Me,” and “A Different Kind of World.” She connected with the crowd of younger voters by sharing her music and personal views on the election and future.

“The future feels so unsure and I often find it challenging to navigate that uncertainty,” Rogers conveyed. “Voting is the key to our future.”

She emphasized the importance of electing someone who believes in reproductive rights, commits to combating climate change, and honors the basic dignity of all people.

“In these final eight days, you can resist the fear that Donald Trump instills and take action against his shadows. You can choose the light.”

Kofi score: 5/5

Gracie Abrams, with ‘Free Now,’ enchants Madison, Wisconsin

Gracie Abrams won over the crowd with her performances of “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Risk,” while also voicing the concerns of many young voters at a Harris rally in Madison, Wisconsin.

“For many of us onstage and in the audience tonight, this is either our first or second chance to vote in a presidential election,” Abrams remarked. “We’ve inherited a challenging world, and it’s easy to feel lost and disheartened. Dealing with the rise of social media during our childhoods, the impact of COVID-19, and constant misinformation, we’ve faced a lot. It’s understandable to feel discouraged, but we know better. We realize that unless we vote and uphold our democracy, there will be nothing we can do to amend things when our time comes.”

Her final song, “Free Now,” left the audience with an uplifting message: “I’ve never felt less empty, all I feel is free now.”

Kofi score: 5/5

Mumford & Sons, creators of stomp-clap-hey, miss the mark

Mumford & Sons, known for their stomp-clap-hey style, played four songs: “The Cave,” “Little Lion Man,” “Awake My Soul,” and “I Will Wait,” at a Madison, Wisconsin rally.

Kofi score: 2.3/5

The National are hard to define, ironically

Aaron Dessner and Matt Berninger of The National dedicated their song “I Need My Girl” to Harris during a rally in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kofi score: 2.8842749204/5

Remi Wolf deserved a longer performance

Indie artist Remi Wolf began her rally performance by highlighting the safe environment she fosters for her fans at concerts, expressing that America should embody the same values—where everyone feels “safe, accepted, and free.”

Her powerful vocals resonated as she sang “Cinderella” and a rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.”

Kofi score: 4/5 only because it could have been longer.

Lady Gaga shines in Philadelphia

At the last Harris rally before Election Day in Philadelphia, Lady Gaga performed a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America.” She then spoke about the shifting landscape for women in the United States.

“For more than half the time this country has existed, women have been voiceless. Yet, we raised children, held families together, and supported men making decisions,” she noted. “But tomorrow, women will help shape this decision.”

She later returned to perform a powerful version of “The Edge of Glory.”

Kofi score: 3/5

Katy Perry embraces motherhood

At the final Harris rally, Katy Perry took the stage to perform several hits like “Dark Horse,” “Part of Me,” and “Firework.” She also chose to cover “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston, and concluded her set by reflecting on how being a mother influenced her voting choice this election.

“Four years ago, I became a mother,” Perry shared. “She’s the reason I am voting for Kamala Harris. I trust she will safeguard my daughter’s future as well as yours.”

Kofi score: 2/5