Beyoncé’s publicist says she’s not performing at the DNC after all

Beyoncé will not appear at the last night of the Democratic National Convention, according to the singer’s longtime publicist.

Speculation has swirled all day about if the DNC would bring a “special” surprise guest on stage tonight and if that surprise would be the pop superstar.

Thursday evening, The Hollywood Reporter reported that a representative for the pop superstar said she was never scheduled to attend. Beyoncé’s longtime publicist Yvette Noel-Schure confirmed the report on Instagram.

Noel-Schure shared a screenshot of the article’s headline with the caption, “Thank you to @hollywoodreporter for reporting the truth.”

The potential for a surprise performance on the last night of the DNC on Thursday has been the subject of lots of speculation in the last few weeks.

Rumors have flown around about Taylor Swift, although she hasn’t shown up yet and a DNC insider told Deadline she isn’t coming. Early on in Thursday evening’s programming, a DJ played Swift’s “Shake It Off,” prompting more speculation.

Multiple outlets ran with stories saying Beyoncé is coming based on anonymous sources. TMZ reported that she is making an appearance, citing “multiple” unnamed sources. The Hill confirmed TMZ’s reporting, citing two sources. One source said they’d seen Beyoncé in Chicago on Thursday.

And MSNBC commentator Katie Phang posted on X at 7:35 p.m. that she had heard Beyoncé has arrived in the United Center.

Shortly before 8 p.m., DJ Metro played “Texas Hold Em’” by Beyoncé, and delegates were clearly anticipating a cameo, immediately breaking out into cheers.

Earlier in the day, White House Political Director Emmy Ruiz posted a bee emoji on X — which some users read as a nod to the Beyhive and a sign that Beyoncé will be at the United Center.

Ruiz followed up with a reply, posting, “Sorry guys my 6 year old took my phone.”

But that’s done little to cool speculation. Rolling Stone reported earlier that city officials have been prepping for a surprise performance, even though the appearance hasn’t been publicly confirmed.

Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” has become the theme song of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. On Monday, when Harris made a surprise appearance on the DNC stage, she walked out as the song played.

Florida Rep. Fentrice Driskell posted on X that a band was practicing Beyoncé’s “Cuff It” during sound checks as well.

On Thursday, Harris will formally accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president as part of what’s already set to be a star-studded evening.

Pink was seen doing a sound check in the United Center on Thursday afternoon before the evening’s programming began.

The Chicks — the group formerly known as The Dixie Chicks — are expected to perform the national anthem at the start of the evening.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.