Obama Inauguration Set to Show Off Long List of Pop Stars

Posted January 11, 2013 by J Matthew Cobb in Reviews 1.0

The pop stars are lining up to usher in second presidential term for Barack Obama

Word quickly went out that the festivities for President Obama’s second inauguration would be a little less elaborate and spanky than his first. But the stars are rushing in to fill up the void as the Inaugural Committee pumps up the events with more star power.

First up, Beyoncé – who is slated to perform at halftime at this year’s NFL Super Bowl, will be delivering her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on January 21 at the U.S. Capitol during the televised swearing-in ceremony. Kelly Clarkson is scheduled to perform “My Country Tis’ of Thee” and James Taylor is set to sing “America the Beautiful.” Beyoncé supported Obama on the campaign trail with hubby Jay-Z, even holding a private fundraiser in New York City. Clarkson, on the other hand, had supported Ron Paul during the Republican presidential primaries but switched towards Obama, citing that he was clearly the better candidate on equal rights.

Meanwhile, the star-studded list is still pouring in. Katy Perry, fun., Alicia Keys, Usher, John Legend, and Brad Paisley will also be performing during the Kids’ Inaugural Concert on Jan. 19. Several other lesser-known inaugural balls plan to attract big names including Nick Cannon, the cast of Glee, Marc Anthony, Smokey Robinson, Far East Movement and the youth gospel choir Soul Children of Chicago. It is still unclear who of those names will be showing up where.

In a statement released today, Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Steve Kerrigan said, “We are honored and excited to have such a diverse, talented group of musical guests joining Americans from across the country to celebrate the 57th Inauguration.”

“Vice President [Joe] Biden and I are honored to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony,” President Obama adds. “Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country.”

So what do you think?
Too much Hollywood in D.C.?
Happy with the list?
Share your thoughts.