Stars flock to Washington for second inauguration
NEW YORK - U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration is shaping up to be an event as star-studded as any red carpet, with dozens of heavy hitters lining up to perform, including Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Usher, Mana and Brad Paisley.Beyonce will sing the national anthem, and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful’’ on the West Front of the Capitol today. Both performers are regular Obama supporters, and celebrities have been a big part of Obama’s strategy to attract voters. Bruce Springsteen is a regular supporter, as are Lena Dunham, Scarlett Johansson, Jay-Z and dozens of others.
Pop-rock trio fun., who had a wild year with two No. 1 hits, a near-platinum album and six Grammy nominations, performed for first lady Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia, and Jill Biden on Saturday at the Kids’ Inaugural Ball.
“It’s been an amazing year, and 2013 is kicking off with us doing the inauguration. .?.?. It’s just an incredible thing,’’ said lead singer Nate Ruess. “I think the three of us care so much about Obama, and so to be invited, I can’t even deal.’’
The trio was joined at the concert by Perry, Wonder, Keys, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Paisley, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon and the cast of “Glee.’’
There may still be surprises in store, but plenty of performances are assured. Keys, Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Anthony will perform at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball today.
Will.i.am, who debuted the song “New Day’’ at 2009’s inauguration, will be at a number of events, including OurTime.org’s “General Now Party’’ on Saturday, which also includes John Legend, Jessica Alba, Common and Flo Rida.
And 25-year-old pop singer Kesha will perform a charity concert today. AP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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