The Chicks—yes, the artists formerly known as the Dixie Chicks—just made the most American comeback since apple pie and unsolicited opinions. They kicked off the grand finale of the 2024 Democratic National Convention with none other than… drumroll… the National Anthem! Because nothing says, “Welcome to the political rodeo!” like belting out some star-spangled harmonies.
On a balmy Thursday night (August 22nd, to be exact), the trio stormed the stage at Chicago’s United Center, leaving everyone in awe. Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer didn’t just sing—they sang, in a way that made even bald eagles shed a tear. They might’ve been singing about rockets and bombs, but all we heard was “USA! USA!”
Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait, haven’t these ladies tangoed with politics before?” Oh, honey, buckle up. This is not their first political hoedown. Back in the early 2000s, Natalie Maines turned the world upside-down when she famously declared, “We’re ashamed the president is from Texas!” at a London concert. The president in question? Good ol’ George W. Bush. Texas BBQs were never the same.
What followed was a PR explosion bigger than a 4th of July fireworks show. The group went on hiatus, possibly spending their free time dodging rotten tomatoes and awkward Thanksgiving conversations. But they returned—oh, did they return—with a vengeance! Their track “Not Ready to Make Nice” was basically the musical equivalent of a mic drop. And how many Grammys did they win for it? Let’s just say they could start a small record label with all the hardware they took home.
But wait, there’s more! This isn’t even their first DNC rodeo! Back in 2020, the trio did a virtual National Anthem performance, because if you can’t sing in front of a crowd, you might as well do it from your couch, right?
So, whether you’re humming along to their 2024 performance or still reminiscing about the drama of 2003, one thing’s clear: The Chicks are not just ready to make nice, they’re ready to make history (again)!
Watch the anthem here, and get ready to stand for… drumroll… freedom, harmonies, and maybe a little bit of sass.
