This year's convention roll call vote was strictly ceremonial — Democrats had already officially confirmed Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential nominee earlier this month in a virtual roll call vote, and went on to bless Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
So with no formal responsibilities to manage, Democrats emphasized the ceremonial, with a whip around the states and territories that included a DJ, popular music and special guests.
Lil Jon pumped up the energy during Georgia’s roll call at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. The “Yeah!” rap star surprised the Chicago crowd by popping out with the delegation of Georgia to perform his hit “Turn Down for What.”
After a call for Georgia to cast its vote, the lights dimmed, and Lil Jon appeared with an elongated, “Yeaaaaah!” He joined Rep. Nikema Williams, who represents Georgia’s 5th congressional district, and announced that Georgia would cast its 123 votes to nominate Harris for president.
The entire arena could be seen dancing and jumping to Lil Jon’s performance as the rapper walked through the crowd, high-fiving the audience. He then led the arena into a chant of “We’re not going back! We’re not going back!”
“DNC, turn down for what?” Lil Jon rapped as he walked down onto the convention floor.
“VP Harris, gimme the Walz,” he appeared to sing, as the hook to another one of his hits, “Get Low” ft. the East Side Boys, began. (The song includes the line “to the window, to the wall.”)
Lil Jon's surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention is just one of the many ways that the Democrats are trying to make their convention more exciting and engaging for viewers. Other states leaned on popular songs as they took to the microphones: Kansas featured the song “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas (though the song was partially overshadowed by someone screaming into the microphone that they couldn't hear).
Massachusetts cast its votes to the Dropkick Murphy's song “Shipping Up to Boston,” while Mississippi voted as blues music played and Michigan voted to “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
New Jersey voted to Bruce Springsteen's “Born In the USA,” with Gov. Phil Murphy declaring: “We're from Jersey, baby, and you're not.” For the Wisconsin vote, House of Pain's “Jump Around,” which is featured at University of Wisconsin football games, was the theme music. For Florida's vote, Tom Petty's “Won't Back Down” played.
Arkansas played “Don't Stop” by Fleetwood Mac, the campaign song of native son and former President Bill Clinton, while North Carolina voted as Petey Pablo's “Raise Up,” which repeatedly refers to the state in its chorus, played in the background.
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi played as Puerto Rico cast its votes. “Get on Up” by James Brown served as the soundtrack for South Carolina's votes. Dolly Parton's “9 to 5” rang out as Tennessee took its turn. “Stick Season,” a song by up-and-coming Vermont artist Noah Kahan, rang out as his home state voted. John Denver's “Take Me Home, Country Roads” played behind West Virginia's vote. And as California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced Harris' home state delegation, Tupac Shakur's “California Love” played, among other songs.
Actor Wendell Pierce appeared with the Louisiana delegation and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker took the microphone to “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project, a song best known for kicking off Chicago Bulls games.
Actor Sean Astin, who played the titular character in the movie “Rudy” about an underdog Notre Dame football player, joined the Indiana delegation amid “Rudy!” chants. Director and actor Spike Lee joined the New York delegation as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' “Empire State Of Mind” played.
The convention roll call has long been one of the more hokey parts of political conventions, which can be hokey events by nature. State delegations of both parties regularly include special guests and take the time to emphasize their states' claims to fame.
In 2020, the Democrats held a virtual roll call due to pandemic-era gathering restrictions and featured video from state delegations.
One memorable video was from the Rhode Island delegation, featuring state party chair Joseph McNamara dubbing his state the “calamari comeback state” as a man stood next to him holding a heaping plate of the fried appetizer.
The “Calamari Man” didn't make a repeat appearance, as the chef told The Associated Press that he's backing former President Donald Trump in 2024.
The roll call performance from Lil Jon comes a day after Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell represented country music on the main stage. Guyton performed her 2021 song “All American,” and Isbell played “Something More Than Free,” his 2015 album’s title track.
The first night of the DNC included a keynote speech from President Joe Biden, as well as remarks from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.
A Celebration of Diversity, Strength, and Unity
The convention roll call is more than a ceremony — it is a celebration of everything the Democratic Party stands for: diversity, strength, and unity. This year’s roll call captured the growing momentum and energy across the country to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as our next President and Vice President of the United States.
“The roll call is a beloved and time-honored tradition, and we’re proud to bring it back in a new and fun format,” said Jaime Harrison, Democratic National Committee Chair. “Democrats from all across the country have made their voices heard in support of our Democratic nominees, and we look forward to using this convention to drive historic momentum behind the Harris-Walz ticket as we unify in our mission to defeat Donald Trump.”
A Night of Surprises and Excitement
Lil Jon's surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention was a highlight of the night, but it wasn't the only surprise. Other states also brought out some unexpected guests, including actor Wendell Pierce, who appeared with the Louisiana delegation, and director and actor Spike Lee, who joined the New York delegation.
The convention roll call is a tradition that allows each state to showcase its unique identity and pride. This year's roll call was no exception, with states from across the country highlighting their musical heritage, their cultural contributions, and their political successes. The energy and excitement of the night were palpable, and the Democrats are hoping that this momentum will carry them through to the election in November.
What's Next for the Democrats?
The Democrats are now looking ahead to the rest of the convention, which will feature speeches from a range of prominent Democrats, including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. The convention is expected to culminate in Harris formally accepting the Democratic nomination for president.
The Democrats are hoping that the convention will help them to unify their party and build momentum for the upcoming election. They are also hoping that the convention will help to highlight the strengths of their candidates and the weaknesses of their opponents.
A Night to Remember
The Democratic National Convention was a night to remember, with Lil Jon's surprise performance, other memorable moments, and a strong showing of unity and support for the Harris-Walz ticket. The Democrats are now ready to take on the challenges ahead and fight for a better future for all Americans.
