Pop singer Pink and country trio The Chicks are scheduled to perform on the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, two sources familiar with the plans told NBC News.
Pink, whose real name is Alicia Beth Moore, supported Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and criticized his policies during then-President George W. Bush’s administration in her song “Dear Mr. President.” Pink is also known for her involvement with several charities and campaigns supporting causes such as animal rights, LGBTQ rights, and women’s rights.
The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, are scheduled to perform the national anthem. The group sang an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that aired on the final night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, which was held largely virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The band faced significant backlash from the country music industry and fanbase after lead singer Natalie Maines publicly criticized then-President George W. Bush during a concert in London just days before the start of the Iraq War in 2003. Maines said at the time that the band did not support the war and was “ashamed” that Bush called Texas home.
Pink and the Chicks’ expected performance comes after fellow chart-topping artists John Legend, Sheila E. and Stevie Wonder performed at the convention on Wednesday night. A Democratic Party source familiar with the plans told NBC News that the DNC has several previously unreported musical and other surprises in store for Thursday night. Country singers Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell performed at the convention on Monday night, while R&B legend Patti LaBelle and rapper Common performed on Tuesday night.
During the roll call vote at the convention on Tuesday night, artists from each state and region performed popular songs. During the roll call vote, rapper Lil Jon was the guest of honor from Georgia and performed his hit song “Turn Down for What.”
Singer-songwriter James Taylor had been scheduled to perform on the first night of the competition but was pulled from the program due to scheduling delays.
The convention featured many celebrity appearances, including a surprise speech from Oprah Winfrey, director Spike Lee joining New York Democrats in delivering the state’s 298 delegate votes to Vice President Kamala Harris, and actress Eva Longoria speaking on behalf of Texas delegates during the convention roll call.
