DNC Roll Call: Lil Jon, Spike Lee, and More Make the Vote a Party

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) transformed what should have been the driest part of the evening – the roll call – into a party Thursday, complete with lively music and several celebrity appearances.

Although the Democratic party previously held a virtual vote on Aug. 6 that made Harris the party’s official nominee, they held a “celebratory” roll call vote to reaffirm her nomination. As each state called out the number of delegates who cast votes for Harris, several states boasted appearances from their famous residents and natives.

The evening already included several headliners, with Patti LaBelle and Common performing and Barack and Michelle Obama set to speak.

Here are all the celebrities who appeared at the convention for the roll call.

Director Spike Lee, known for films including “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” joined New York Democrats to deliver the state’s 298 votes to Harris. Lee has become an iconic figure of New York, as he has become a staple courtside at the Knicks games and created a short film titled “New York New York” as an ode to the city.

Lee didn’t speak but joined in chants of “New York” alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Sean Astin, best known for playing the titular Notre Dame football player in “Rudy,” joined the Indiana delegation to help cast its 86 delegates for Harris and Walz.

“I want what’s best for Indiana and that means electing Kamala Harris the first woman president of the United States of America,” Astin said.

Actor Wendell Pierce joined the delegates from his home state of Louisiana to express his personal endorsement of Harris and help the state announce its 47 votes for Harris.

“I’m a proud son of Louisiana and Louisiana is about family, and I’m surrounded by my family of the delegates of Louisiana,” Pierce said.

“The Wire” star has been outspoken about his support for Democratic candidates for years.

The rapper, who hails from Atlanta, fired up the crowd with a performance of his hit song “Turn Down for What” before Georgia delivered 123 votes for Harris.

“We are here tonight to officially nominate Kamala Harris,” he said before he erupted into the song.

He also performed some lines from “Get Low,” editing the lyrics to say, “From the window, to the Walz,” referring to vice presidential pick Tim Walz.

Corpus Christi, Texas, native Eva Longoria spoke briefly on behalf of Texas delegates before handing the mic off to Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood. Texas’ portion of the roll call was underscored by an instrumental version of Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em.” The state cast 263 votes for Harris.

The actor and producer has been an outspoken supporter of reproductive rights and produced a 2018 documentary, “Reversing Roe,” about abortion rights and access in America.

The DNC did their ceremonial state-by-state roll call last night where delegates from each state pledged their support for Kamala Harris.

This year, the DNC had a DJ play a state-specific song for each state.

For example, Massachusetts had “Shipping Off To Boston” by the Dropkick Murphy’s as their song.

Pennsylvania’s was “Motownphilly” by Boys II Men.

South Carolina’s was James Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine.”

Nevada’s was “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers.

And Georgia had, without a doubt, the best one when Lil Jon appeared out of nowhere singing “Turn Down For What.”

You can watch the whole thing here.

As this person said, “Lil Jon and then Modest Mouse? The Millennials have seized the means of event production, folks.

Lil Jon and then Modest Mouse? The Millennials have seized the means of event production, folks.

— Max Steele (@maxasteele) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @maxasteele

You can see all of the state songs here:

For those who have asked…a table with every state and territory's song title and artist at tonight's #DNC2024 roll call. https://t.co/uyYFEouDfn pic.twitter.com/DWR0WLTvhC

— Benjy Renton (@bhrenton) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @bhrenton

If that list doesn't expand, then you can see it here.

Annnnd there’s even a Spotify playlist.

...is this 50 states playlist on @Spotify

— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @meridithmcgraw

Now, some people on X are sharing what the Republican roll call looked like, and whew boy, it was DRAMATICALLY different.

Here’s the viral clip:

For context… this is energy of the RNC Convention 2024 Roll Call 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/T2ImbeOnGF

— Patrick, Not Pat (@PresidentPat) August 21, 2024

NBC/Twitter: @PresidentPat

And here’s another one:

The RNC roll call was so…..unseasoned. 😭#DNCConvention pic.twitter.com/J6LHoCbft9

— Idris Esquire (@akwesq) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @akwesq

People are finding the contrast pretty striking.

this comparison of the rnc roll call and the dnc roll call is making me die. i genuinely enjoyed watching the dnc roll call last night and that’s usually incredibly boring. they did a great job making that fun to watch. #DNC2024

— Erin (@erinlindys) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @erinlindys

The Lincoln Project said, “The DNC roll call makes the RNC roll call look like a funeral.”

This person said, “If I were Republican I would just switch parties out of the major FOMO tbh.”

Is the RNC roll call this cool?? If I were Republican I would just switch parties out of the major FOMO tbh

— chyea ok (@chyeaok) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @chyeaok

And this person said, “This DNC roll call makes the RNC look like a goddamn real estate insurance seminar.”

This DNC roll call makes the RNC look like a goddamn real estate insurance seminar.

— Ty Webb (@Ty___Webb) August 21, 2024

Twitter: @Ty___Webb

Anyway, I hope the DNC makes this a tradition because it’s genuinely super enjoyable.