Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign with a powerful entrance on Monday evening, walking out to Beyoncé’s anthem “Freedom.”
A source close to Harris confirmed to CNN that her campaign obtained approval from Beyoncé’s representatives to use the song throughout her campaign.
Beyoncé, known for stringent music clearance guidelines, swiftly granted permission for Harris’ use of “Freedom” just hours before Harris made her campaign debut to the song, signaling a notable endorsement from the superstar.
While Beyoncé has not formally endorsed Harris since President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, allowing “Freedom” for Harris’ campaign underscores the singer’s implicit support.
Neither Harris’ campaign nor Beyoncé’s representatives responded immediately to CNN’s requests for comment.
Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, endorsed Harris shortly after Biden’s announcement on Sunday.
“New, Youthful, Sharp energy!!!” Knowles posted on Instagram alongside a photo with Harris. “Putting personal Ego, power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader. Thank you, President Biden for your service and leadership. Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let’s Go.”
Beyoncé has a history of backing Democratic candidates, including performing at President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration and headlining a pre-election concert for Hillary Clinton in 2016 with husband Jay-Z.
“I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless,” Beyoncé had said. “And that’s why I am with her.”
In 2020, Beyoncé endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, urging her followers to vote on Instagram.
“Freedom,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, from Beyoncé’s 2016 album “Lemonade,” became an anthem during demonstrations following George Floyd’s death in 2020.
On Monday night at her campaign headquarters, Harris walked out to the powerful 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.”
