The trio also performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” virtually at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
The Chicks took the stage on the final night of the Democratic National Convention to sing the national anthem, joining other country artists who performed at the event in Chicago, including Jason Isbell and Mickey Jetton on Monday.
Natalie Maines, Marty Maguire and Emily Strayer performed the national anthem against a backdrop of the American flag on Thursday. Their performances kicked off the big night before speeches from Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
The Chicks’ performance is particularly noteworthy given the band’s political history. The group, then known as the Dixie Chicks, came under fire from the country music world in 2003 at the height of their popularity after they voiced their disapproval of then-President George W. Bush’s impending invasion of Iraq. “We don’t want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas,” Maines said.
The response was swift, with country radio stations removing the band’s songs from the radio, and the band’s tour sponsor Lipton withdrawing his support for the group. The Chicks performed the American national anthem virtually at the 2020 Democratic National Convention during the height of the pandemic.
Also scheduled to appear Thursday night is Pink, who was spotted earlier Thursday at a soundcheck with her daughter. Thursday will close out the DNC with an exciting lineup of performers that also includes Stevie Wonder, Maren Morris, Patti Labelle and Common, as well as a roster of loud names that includes Lil Jon.
Harris has received support from a number of members of Hollywood and the music industry including Cardi B, Barbra Streisand and Charli XCX, with her declaration that the candidate is “spoiled” sparking a mock campaign.
