During the Democratic National Convention’s ceremonial roll call vote on Tuesday night, attendees were surprised by a performance from rapper Lil Jon, who entertained the crowd with his hit “Turn Down for What.”
This year’s roll call was largely symbolic, as the Democrats had already selected Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential nominee earlier this month through a virtual vote. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was also endorsed as her running mate.
With the formal voting responsibilities already concluded, the convention focused on showcasing entertainment, characterized by musical performances and special guests from various states and territories.
Lil Jon entertained the Georgia delegation by performing as he made his way through the crowd, rapping, “DNC, turn down for what?” He continued with a line from one of his well-known tracks, much to the delight of attendees.
Other states embraced the celebratory tone of the event as they took their turns at the microphone. Kansas selected “Carry On Wayward Son” for its vote, though one speaker struggled to be heard amidst the excitement. Massachusetts opted for the Dropkick Murphy’s “Shipping Up to Boston,” while Mississippi voted accompanied by blues music and Michigan by Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”
New Jersey’s vote featured Bruce Springsteen’s iconic “Born In the USA,” with Governor Phil Murphy making a spirited declaration of state pride. Wisconsin brought the energy with House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” customary at University of Wisconsin football events, while Florida’s choice was Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down.”
Arkansas celebrated with Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” a nod to Bill Clinton, while North Carolina’s selection was Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up,” highlighting the state in its lyrics. Puerto Rico enjoyed “Despacito” as it cast its votes, and South Carolina opted for James Brown’s “Get on Up.” Tennessee’s votes echoed with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” while Vermont listened to “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan. West Virginia’s vote resonated with John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and California featured Tupac Shakur’s “California Love.”
The event also saw appearances from notable figures, such as actor Wendell Pierce with the Louisiana delegation and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as he kicked off their vote to “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project. Actor Sean Astin rallied the Indiana delegation amid chants of “Rudy!” and director Spike Lee joined the New York delegation, where Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State Of Mind” played.
The roll call has historically been a lighthearted aspect of political conventions, with state delegations often highlighting unique aspects of their locales. During the 2020 convention, a virtual roll call was held due to pandemic restrictions, featuring entertaining videos from state delegations, including a memorable appearance by a man dubbed the “Calamari Man.”
This year’s festivities marked a return to in-person celebrations, although the “Calamari Man” was absent, as he is reportedly supporting former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.