Taylor Swift and Beyoncé at Top of Fan Theories for DNC Performance

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The Democratic National Convention has been filled with surprises over the course of the past week. With performances by Lil Jon, an appearance from Oprah Winfrey, as well as former U.S. president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, viewers have been glued to the television in anticipation for what could come next.

Ahead of the last day of the DNC on Thursday, August 22, several viewers have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share theories surrounding who they think may make a surprise appearance. Theories began flooding the internet after popular anonymous X account @angry_staffer — who claims to be a former White House staffer — said the final day of the DNC is not to be missed, given an appearance by someone with star power.

“If you thought the Oprah surprise was big, just wait,” they wrote.

CNN correspondent Jamie Gengel also took to X, saying fans can expect a performance from The Chicks “and possibly some others.”

Several fans believe Taylor Swift may make an appearance. Given the timing, this theory would make sense, as the “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” hitmaker just wrapped up the European leg of her Eras Tour.

It was also implied that Swift, who, as of last year, owns the masters to her re-recorded 1989 album, seemingly approved her hit single “Shake It Off” for use at the DNC.

Another Swiftie quipped that Swift will make an appearance to announce her re-recording of her 2017 album, Reputation.

Fans also believe Beyoncé may make an appearance at the DNC. The “Formation” singer has previously endorsed Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, so it’s thought that she will most likely endorse Harris.

Beyoncé also allowed the use of her 2016 song “Freedom” for Harris’ campaign, so an appearance in support of Harris wouldn’t be completely implausible. She also reportedly threatened Trump with a cease and desist from using the same song in one of his campaign videos, which might cement her support for Kamala.

Theories about a surprise appearance from Beyoncé have further been fueled after a video of a singer rehearsing “Cuff It” from her 2022 album Renaissance surfaced online. While the singer in question isn’t Beyoncé herself, some believe that they may be testing the sound before she arrives.

Many fans hope that both Swift and Beyoncé will come together in support of Harris, uniting the two stars’ standoms in a large voting effort this election season.

Viewers can tune into the DNC via ABC, CBS News, CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, NewsNation, or PBS, or live stream the programming through Max, Paramount+ Peacock, Prime Video, or Sling, beginning at 5 p.m. ET.