Big-name politicians aren’t the only ones taking the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week — some celebrities and other entertainers are also expected to appear. But a much-anticipated performance by legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor on Monday was pulled from the schedule shortly before the star was due to perform.
According to a schedule released Monday by organizers, Taylor, singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and country artist Mickey Guyton are scheduled to perform on the first day of the convention at the United Center.
Those programs included President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were added to the list of two dozen scheduled speakers.
Guyton was the first to take the stage following a speech by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Isbell followed a speech by reproductive rights activist and content creator Teja Fox.
Taylor, known for hits like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “How Sweet It Is,” was set to take the stage later in the night after First Lady Jill Biden’s speech, before Biden’s daughter Ashley Biden introduced her father. , President Joe Biden.
But later in the evening, DNC officials issued a statement regarding the change of plans.
“Because of the raucous applause interrupting speaker after speaker, we skipped elements of our plan to make sure we could meet with President Biden quickly to speak directly to the American people.” The report said. “We’re proud of the electric atmosphere in our convention hall and proud to showcase the broad and diverse coalition behind our convention Harris-Walls ticket on stage and off throughout the week.”
Taylor’s appearance was omitted as a result of schedule changes, as well as speeches by Reps. Grace Meng and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
It was not immediately clear whether Taylor, Meng or Wasserman-Schultz will be reinstated to the DNC schedule in the coming days.
During a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, DNC Director Alex Hornbrook raised the question of whether overnight cancellations would be rescheduled. Without giving further details, he said only that “our project team is now working very hard so we can stay on schedule.”
Some of the speakers for the second day of the DNC, including former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and Illinois Gov. JP Pritzker, had not been released as of 12 p.m. Tuesday.
