DNC: James Taylor Apologises After Scrapped Performance

Acclaimed singer-songwriter James Taylor, who was billed to perform at the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, has apologised after his scheduled appearance was axed due to time constraints.

Taylor, known for hits like "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend," was set to take to the stage at the United Center alongside fellow musicians Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell. However, despite Guyton and Isbell delivering their planned sets, Taylor was absent from the Day 1 lineup.

The "You've Got a Friend" singer was originally slated to perform during the 9 p.m. slot, which included addresses from First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley Biden, who introduced President Joe Biden with a moving speech.

DNC officials later issued a statement acknowledging schedule delays due to the "raucous applause" interrupting speakers. While they did not specifically mention Taylor, the statement said that organisers "skipped elements of our program" to ensure President Biden could address the nation as quickly as possible.

Footage shared on social media showed Taylor rehearsing earlier in the day, strumming his guitar and preparing to perform his 1971 hit "You've Got a Friend."

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Taylor addressed his absence from the DNC programme, acknowledging that organisers had to make tough decisions due to the "wild response" from the crowd.

"We had a great rehearsal with @RickeyMinor and terrific singers, @KenyaHathaway and Mathew Johnson before the event," Taylor wrote. "But it became clear, as the evening unfolded, that there wouldn't be time for our 'You've Got a Friend' with cello and voices. Maybe the organizers couldn't anticipate the wild response from the floor of the United Center…"

Taylor's publicist, Allison Elbl, confirmed to USA TODAY that there are "no plans to reschedule" the singer's performance.

"Anyway, sorry to disappoint," Taylor concluded in his Instagram post. "But a great and inspirational, quintessentially American moment. We were honored to be there…"

Day 2 of the DNC will commence at 5:30 p.m. CT/6:30 p.m. ET, with speakers including former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and second gentleman Dough Emhoff. 

Contributing: Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY; Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.