Kamala Harris Kicks Off Campaign with Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” Signaling Superstar’s Support

Vice President Kamala Harris made a notable entrance during her first official visit to her campaign headquarters on Monday evening, walking out to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.” According to a source close to Harris, her team received approval from Beyoncé’s representatives to use the song throughout her presidential campaign.

Beyoncé, known for her strict clearance guidelines around her music, gave quick approval to Harris’ campaign on Monday, just hours before Harris walked out to the song, the source added.

While Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term, granting permission to use “Freedom” as a campaign song suggests the superstar’s support for Harris.

Neither the Harris campaign nor a representative for Beyoncé responded to CNN’s requests for comment. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, posted on Instagram a photo of herself alongside Harris, writing,

New, Youthful, Sharp energy!!!! Putting personal ego, power, and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader. Thank you, President Biden, for your service and your leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let’s Go

Beyoncé has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates. In 2013, she sang the National Anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In 2016, Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z headlined a pre-election concert for Hillary Clinton in Cleveland, Ohio, with her backup dancers dressed in blue pantsuits to honour the woman who could have been the first female president.

I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless,” Beyoncé said. And that’s why I am with her.

In 2020, Beyoncé endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, posting on her Instagram to encourage her followers to vote. “Freedom,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, debuted on Beyoncé’s 2016 album “Lemonade.” The Grammy-nominated song became an anthem in many demonstrations following the 2020 death of George Floyd.

On Monday night at her campaign headquarters, Harris walked out to the lyrics: “Freedom, Freedom / Where are you? / ‘Cause I need freedom, too / I break chains all by myself / Won’t let my freedom rot in hell / Hey! I’ma keep running / ‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.”

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