DNC Update: Speakers and Schedule as Party Unites Behind Kamala Harris

The Culture

August 19, 2024

Lights, Camera, Politics: Which A-List Celebrities Will Be at the DNC?

Democrats are flooding Chicago this week as the Windy City hosts the Democratic National Convention to officially nominate Kamala Harris as their nominee, and as you can expect, there are going to be a few celebrities in the mix as well. Who will be there? And most importantly, will Beyoncé be there? Let's get into it.

A few of the confirmed celebs with roles during the DNC include Scandal stars Tony Goldwyn and Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, and The View's Ana Navarro. We also know Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus will be there, although what role she'll play hasn't been confirmed yet. Other celebs likely in the mix include John Legend, Octavia Spencer, Billy Porter, and queens from RuPaul's Drag Race.

The biggest question is whether Beyoncé will make an appearance. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but even if it was confirmed it wouldn't be until right before it happens. I'm guessing if she does show up, it will be on Thursday when Kamala Harris speaks.

I'll be covering the DNC all week long on the Parting Shot podcast. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss anything.

Here's what else is poppin' in the world of pop culture...

The iconic talk show host, Phil Donahue, died Sunday night. Donahue hosted his groundbreaking talk show, The Phil Donahue Show, for nearly 30 years. "There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously," Oprah Winfrey said in a statement posted to Instagram honoring Donahue.
Succession actor Brian Cox has a thing or two to say about Marvel. "What's happened is that television is doing what cinema used to do. I think cinema is in a very bad way," The Hollywood Reporter reported Cox saying at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in Scotland on Saturday. "I think it's lost its place because of, partly, the grandiose element between Marvel, DC and all of that. And I think it's beginning to implode, actually. You're kind of losing the plot." Ouch!
Did Taylor Swift endorse former President Donald Trump? No, but Trump seems to think so. Trump posted an obviously AI generated image of Swift endorsing Trump, saying "I accept." I want to believe he knows it's fake, but to quote Meryl Streep, "I have doubt."

Joe Rogan Gives Adam Sandler Health Advice

'Grey's Anatomy' Star Got Social Media Warning Ahead of Infidelity Plotline

John Oliver Calls Out JD Vance

What the Stars are Saying

Steve Martin has addressed whether he'll return to host The Academy Awards for a fourth time, discussing the lack of financial reward for taking on the prestigious role. Read what he had to say about it below.

'Boy Meets World' Star Danielle Fishel Diagnosed With Cancer

Fishel, who played Topanga Lawrence in the '90s sitcom, was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Learn more.

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'It Ends With Us' and How Hollywood Covers up Celebrity Fallouts

As actor and director Justin Baldoni hires Johnny Depp's public relations manager, Newsweek looks inside the world of celebrity crisis management as Lively is hit with a new controversy.

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Taylor Swift's Mom Spotted at Eras Tour

Andrea Swift was caught on camera over the weekend, singing "August" with fans. Watch the video.

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Prince Andrew Suffers New Royal Blow

The ongoing stalemate between Andrew and King Charles III over royal housing has seen a new development. Check it out.

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Nick Cannon Says 'Leave Me Out of This' as Kamala Harris Post Takes Off

Cannon has spoken out after a social media post linked him to Vice President Kamala Harris' economic plan. Here's what he said.

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Culture Spotlight

Kavin Becon

Lainey Wilson Anxious About Career Move—'I Do Have That Side of Me'

By Billie Schwab Dunn

As Lainey Wilson prepares for her new album to finally be released, she told Newsweek she's anxious about sharing her vulnerability with the world. The prolific singer-songwriter has earned praise from the industry and this year alone she has won a Grammy for best country album, a People's Choice Award for female country artist of the year and entertainer of the year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards.

Wilson is showing no signs of slowing down, as her album Whirlwind will be released on August 23, which the singer said is the "most cathartic and personal piece of art" she's ever created. Read more about Whirlwind and Wilson below.

Read the full interview

Listen to the latest episode of The Parting Shot HERE

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