HOUSTON – The anticipation is building.

Yes, there are still 11 days until the election, but we’re buzzing about Beyoncé, who is set to perform at Kamala Harris’ rally in Houston today. And yes, we prioritized the singer before the candidate because this is all about Beyoncé.

It’s no secret that Harris and Beyoncé have a mutual admiration. Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Freedom” featured prominently in Harris’ initial campaign video. Last summer, Harris was part of the audience at one of Beyoncé’s Renaissance concerts just outside D.C., with the tickets being a gift from the star herself. Additionally, Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, endorsed Harris right after her nomination.

Our team is on the ground for BeyWatch, with support from YSL News Network’s Beyoncé expert, Caché McClay, here in Houston.

Fans started lining up outside Shell Energy Stadium—known primarily for soccer—hours ahead of time. This isn’t just a show; it’s a rally! Many had even secured tickets before they knew about Beyoncé’s performance.

What time can you expect Beyoncé to take the stage? Who else will join her besides Willie Nelson? Is Jay-Z making an appearance? Stay tuned with us as we provide answers to your questions and take you along to the Houston rally.

A performance by Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child you might have forgotten

Beyoncé has a history of supporting political figures and engaging with voters, dating back to her performance with Destiny’s Child at the “Concert Celebrating America’s Youth,” held a day before George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2001. 98 Degrees also added to the lineup at that event.

We love looking back at these nostalgic photos of the artist, all those low-rise jeans and stylish tops—what a throwback!

The concert was filled with young fans, and at one point, Beyoncé famously led the crowd in a chant: “Everybody in the House say, ‘Bush.’ ”

One of the highlights of that event was Kelly Rowland’s visit to the White House, as TODAY Show host Jenna Bush Hagar recalled during a 2022 interview. Rowland had gifted the teenage Hagar a pager.

“I loved it!” Hagar said on air. “I thought we could text… it wasn’t even texting … you had to beep?”

What songs can we expect from Beyoncé at the Harris rally?

As the Beyhive interacts with the K-hive, we anticipate a lively performance.

We’re betting on “Freedom,” her acclaimed 2016 track linked to Harris’ first campaign ad— and is it too much to hope for “Texas Hold’em”? With Willie Nelson in the mix, certainly “Smoke Hour” and “Smoke Hour II” will be part of her setlist. Plus, we know she loves to throw in surprises, so we’re on alert!

Will this be a mini-concert experience? We may not see the full Renaissance tour, but we’re hoping for a handful of songs!

Bruce Springsteen and other performers supporting Kamala Harris

Beyoncé isn’t the only musical artist lending her voice to Kamala Harris’ campaign.

During a Georgia rally on Thursday, Bruce Springsteen performed three acoustic songs. He praised Kamala Harris and Tim Walz while criticizing Donald Trump, urging the crowd to make their voices heard at the polls.

Springsteen delivered a poignant version of his classic “The Promised Land” before addressing audience members.

He and former President Barack Obama are set to gather in Philadelphia to support Harris on Monday, October 28.

Springsteen backed Harris publicly for the first time in a video posted on social media on October 3.

Chris Jordan

What time will Beyoncé perform at the Kamala Harris rally?

As of now, the timing for the rally remains unclear. Organizers for the event have not provided specific details. However, we do know that Harris is set to speak at 8:30 p.m. CT. It’s uncertain whether Beyoncé and other performers will go on before or after her. Generally, the main performer – in this case Harris, though this might be one of the few instances where Beyoncé isn’t the main act – performs last. But will organizers risk having attendees leave after the concert before Harris speaks? This might lead to a late evening for those on the east coast.

Where will Beyoncé perform for the Kamala Harris rally?

Attendees who registered for text updates about the rally have received notifications that the doors will open at 3 p.m. CT.

For ticket holders, entry details are available through SeatGeek. The event will take place at the Shell Energy Stadium, home to the Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash from the National Women’s Soccer League. Interesting tidbit: This was the first stadium designed specifically for soccer built in a major downtown area, having opened in 2012.

How can I watch the rally? And more importantly, how can I watch Beyoncé’s performance?

YSL News will broadcast the performance of the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer live on its YouTube channel.

Why is Beyoncé performing at the Kamala Harris rally?

Beyoncé has deep roots in Houston, where she was born and raised. It’s also the city where Destiny’s Child was formed, initially as Girl’s Tyme.

Although she hasn’t lived in Texas for years, the final stages of the election are drawing in many famous personalities to support both presidential candidates. On the same day as the Houston rally, Harris will be participating in an interview with Brené Brown, known for appealing to a predominantly female audience. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is scheduled to appear on the well-known podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.

Has Beyoncé supported Kamala Harris openly?

While Beyoncé’s song “Freedom,” released in 2016, was part of Harris’ initial campaign video, she has not officially endorsed the Democratic presidential candidate yet. However, Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, publicly endorsed Harris back in July.

Has Beyoncé ever supported a presidential candidate in the past?

Yes, Beyoncé has previously backed former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and President Joe Biden during their campaigns.

The well-known singer performed the national anthem at Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. Additionally, she participated in a concert and rally aimed at encouraging voter turnout for Clinton in 2016 during her campaign against Trump.

— Sudiksha Kochi

Who else is performing at the Kamala Harris rally in Houston?

As you’ve likely already guessed, Beyoncé will perform. Additionally, the legendary Willie Nelson will also take the stage at the age of 91, remaining active in the music scene.

Is Taylor Swift supporting Kamala Harris? Will Taylor Swift perform at her rally?

No, although that would undoubtedly be exciting!

While Taylor Swift will be performing for her Eras Tour in a city 347 miles east of New Orleans, she won’t be in attendance at this rally.

The last time they were seen together was at the premiere of Beyoncé’s film in London, following Beyoncé’s attendance at Swift’s movie premiere in Los Angeles. They were also both spotted at the Grammys earlier this year. While they haven’t publicly hung out recently, they are known to be supportive friends, and Swift endorsed Harris after her only presidential announcement.

The debate of the year took place recently. Swift shared on Instagram: “I’m supporting @kamalaharris because she advocates for the rights and issues I feel require a strong defender. I see her as a composed, talented leader, and I’m convinced that we can achieve much more in our nation if we are guided by calm rather than chaos.”