From Arnie to Aniston: Harris’ celebrity support soars—but will it make a difference on election day?

As the 2024 campaign barrels into its final week, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are each drawing on celebrity endorsements—but with very different lineups. Harris has big names like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé rallying her supporters, while Trump’s roster includes Kid Rock, Waka Flocka Flame, and Hulk Hogan.

Harris’ Celebrity Surge Across Battleground States

Democrats have long leaned on their Hollywood advantage to boost excitement and draw crowds, and the final stretch of this campaign is no exception. Music icon Stevie Wonder joined Harris in Georgia, serenading churchgoers with Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” In Atlanta, Harris appeared with former President Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, filmmaker Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson, followed by a Texas rally featuring Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.

Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has also joined forces with celebrities. James Taylor performed in North Carolina alongside Walz, and in Michigan, singer Maggie Rogers’ set added energy to a Harris rally attended by younger voters like nursing student Audrey Hudson, who called Rogers’ performance an “added bonus” that reinforced her civic engagement.

Social Media and Latino Support Amplify Harris’ Campaign

After comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made an offensive remark about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally, Puerto Rican celebrities Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin publicly backed Harris, adding their voices to her campaign’s “When We Vote We Win” concert series aimed at spurring early voting in swing states.

Harris has also lined up a series of high-profile events with stars like Gracie Abrams, Mumford & Sons, and The National. In Arizona, she’s set to appear with Los Tigres del Norte, while her Las Vegas rally will feature Mexican band Maná and a speech from Jennifer Lopez.

Also, Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly endorsed Kamala Harris on Wednesday, expressing his discontent with both major political parties. The former California governor and “Terminator” star emphasized his patriotism over party affiliation, stating, “I will always be an American before I am a Republican.”

Trump’s Celebrity Lineup Holds Appeal for Core Supporters

Trump’s events, meanwhile, often draw figures who resonate deeply with his base. Country star Jason Aldean recently appeared at a Trump rally in Georgia, and former NFL stars Brett Favre, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell have endorsed him. Favre even earned applause during Trump’s rally in Green Bay, with Trump joking that the Super Bowl champion’s reception might have overshadowed his own.

Unlike Harris’ high-energy celebrity-filled rallies, Trump often headlines his events himself, capitalizing on his own star power. However, when controversial figures like Hinchcliffe make headlines at Trump events, it sometimes creates more complications than support.

A Strategy with Risks: Lessons from 2016

Democrats’ reliance on star power can energize their base but also risks obscuring challenges within the campaign. In 2016, Hillary Clinton’s final rallies were packed with celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé, but that excitement failed to translate into crucial wins. Despite an electrifying final rally lineup, Clinton ultimately lost battleground states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

As Harris and Trump enter the home stretch, the Democrats’ celebrity boost provides energy—but whether it will translate into votes remains to be seen.