A lineup of celebrities took the stage at a major campaign rally in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, aiming to boost voter turnout in key battleground states on the eve of Election Day. Among the performers were Lady Gaga, Jon Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and several other music and entertainment icons, each contributing to the Democratic campaign's effort to mobilize voters, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The rally, which took place in multiple cities including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee, was designed to energize swing state voters, particularly in Pennsylvania, where polls indicated a close race between Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump. Lady Gaga headlined the rally in Philadelphia on Monday night, delivering powerful performances of 'God Bless America' and 'Edge of Glory' to a packed crowd.
Before her performance of the patriotic ballad, the pop star passionately addressed the audience, urging women to make their voices heard at the polls. "For more than half of this country's life, women didn't have a voice," Gaga told the crowd, adding, "Yet we raised children, we held our families together, we supported men as they made the decisions -- but tomorrow, women will be a part of making this decision." Gaga then reflected on the strength of women who had influenced her life, saying, "Today I am holding in my heart all the tough, tenacious women who made me who I am." She added, "I cast my vote for someone who will be a president for all, for all Americans. Now is your turn, the country is depending on you."
The concert series was not just a musical showcase; it was also a powerful reminder of the stakes of the election. Oprah Winfrey, who appeared at the rally following Gaga's performance, spoke about the crucial role Pennsylvania voters would play in determining the outcome of the election. "If we don't show up tomorrow, it is entirely possible that we will not have the opportunity to ever cast a ballot again," Winfrey said, adding, "And let me be very clear if you do not make sure that the people in your life can get to the polls, that is a mistake. Deciding not to decide, which is most definitely a vote to let other people control your future." According to The Hollywood Reporter, Winfrey then introduced Will.i.am, who performed his new song 'YES SHE CAN,' celebrating Harris' groundbreaking candidacy.
As the night progressed, the rally in Philadelphia transitioned into a final, heartfelt address from Harris herself, who emphasized the power of Pennsylvania voters. "You will decide the outcome of this election, Pennsylvania," she said to the enthusiastic crowd. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lady Gaga returned to the stage just after Harris' speech, delivering a poignant acoustic performance of 'Edge of Glory' as the clock struck midnight, officially ushering in Election Day.
The event was part of the Democratic campaign's final get-out-the-vote push, which was streamed live across the country and featured coordinated rallies in seven crucial battleground states. The lineup of artists performing at the rallies was extensive, with additional performances in Detroit from Jon Bon Jovi, The War and Treaty, and the Detroit Youth Choir; in Las Vegas by Christina Aguilera, Los Tigres Del Norte, and SOFI TUKKER; and in Atlanta by 2 Chainz, Anthony Hamilton, Ciara, and Joy of Jesse & Joy.
In the final weeks leading up to the election, Harris had received endorsements from a wide range of high-profile celebrities, including Beyonce, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, Will.i.am, among others.
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