Which celebrities are backing Kamala Harris for US president?

Campaigning before the US election in November is ramping up as Democrat Kamala Harris prepares to face Republican Donald Trump in the race for the White House.

The Democrats are now in the throes of a busy Democratic National Convention (DNC), welcoming several famous faces to the coveted political event in Chicago.

Ms Harris has had a whirlwind few weeks after accepting the party’s presidential nomination following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July.

Despite evident excitement about the prospect of having the country’s first female president, her campaigning has also encountered some challenges.

As expected, she’s faced a barrage of criticism from rival Republican politicians — and mounting calls from voters to act more decisively on topics such as Gaza.

Protests have erupted outside the DNC as pro-Palestine activists urged an end to Israel’s brutal assault in Gaza that’s killed more than 40,000 people so far.

While there was tension outside the event, there was a different energy inside the DNC. The presidential candidate and her VP pick, Tim Walz, rallied excitement in front of cheering crowds as they spoke about their hopes for leading the US if elected.

Several allies of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were also reportedly present.

Even before the DNC, several celebrities had supported Ms Harris and the Democratic campaign.

Here’s a look at the A-listers who will vote blue this year.

John Legend

Musician John Legend has won 12 Grammys (PA Archive)

Musician John Legend is performing in Chicago during the DNC and is a vocal supporter of the Democrats and Ms Harris.

In a lengthy social media post, Legend wrote: "I'm so ready to work to help unite the pro-democracy coalition to reject Trump's authoritarian, oppressive Project 2025 and elect Kamala Harris as our President."

The 12-time Grammy Award-winner added: "She's ready for this fight and I'm excited to help her in any way I can."

He has also said that his eldest daughter Luna looks up to Ms Harris. Legend told the Hollywood Reporter: “[Luna] is so excited to see someone who’s black and Asian like she is, [and] a woman like she is — so she’s looking at [Kamala] like, ‘This is me’ up there.”

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, known professionally as Megan Thee Stallion, is an American rapper (PA Archive)

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion performed at Ms Harris’s campaign rally in Atlanta and has consistently supported her.

She has featured Ms Harris on her social media and encouraged women to vote for the Democratic hopeful.

“Kamala said she wants a ceasefire, Kamala said she supports women’s rights. And she said she’s tired of those high-ass gas prices … It’s Hotties for Harris, goddammit,” she said.

The Obamas

Former US president Barack Obama and his wife and ex-first lady Michelle Obama after she introduced him on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (AFP via Getty Images)

Barack and Michelle Obama have become political celebrities following their stints at the White House between January 2009 and January 2017.

As the former first family, the Obamas have remained stalwart supporters of the Democratic movement in the past few years.

This included backing Mr Biden and now Ms Harris.

Mr Obama gave an impassioned speech on day two of the DNC on Tuesday (August 20), urging voters to back Ms Harris in the upcoming election.

“In this new economy, we need a president who actually cares about the millions of people all across this country who wake up every day to do the essential, often thankless work to care for our sick and clean our streets and deliver our packages – and stand up for their right to bargain for better wages and working conditions,” Mr Obama said. “Kamala will be that president.”

George Clooney

Actors George Clooney (l) and Julia Roberts with Democratic heavyweights Joe Biden and Barack Obama (Joe Biden)

Before Ms Harris received the party’s nomination, Clooney penned an op-ed in which he implored Mr Biden to step down and allow someone else to run for the presidency.

Not long after this, Mr Biden confirmed his departure and all eyes turned to the likelihood of Ms Harris assuming the role.

Clooney praised Mr Biden and voiced his support for Ms Harris as she embarked on her campaign.

“President Biden has shown what true leadership is,” he said. “He’s saving democracy once again. We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Vice President Harris in her historic quest.”

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is noted for her four-octave vocal range

While singer-songwriter Grande hasn’t been too vocal about her political views, it appears that she has supported Democratic causes in the past.

When Mr Biden confirmed he wasn’t seeking re-election, Grande re-shared his message of endorsement on social media in apparent support.

The post read: “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Charli XCX

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known professionally as Charli XCX, is an English singer and songwriter (PA Wire)

British pop icon Chari XCX took to social media after Ms Harris announced her presidential bid, writing a post that captured the essence of the Democrats’ campaign.

“Kamala IS brat,” the singer said in apparent support for Ms Harris.

Ms Harris’s campaign then changed the colour of its social media background to brat green, apparently acknowledging the star’s endorsement and message.

Other celebrity endorsements

Several other stars have voiced their support for Ms Harris.

These include Jamie Lee Curtis, Olivia Rodrigo, Barbra Streisand, Spike Lee, Cardi B, Katy Perry and Kesha.

Although Beyonce hasn’t officially endorsed Ms Harris, the pop sensation allowed the politician to use her song Freedom at the DNC.