2 minutes ago 2009-11-07T13:31:28-08:00
President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and daughter Sasha look on during the 'We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration At The Lincoln Memorial' on January 18, 2009 at the National Mall in Washington, DC.Us Magazine
Barack and Michelle Obama smiled, danced and waved to their favorite stars at the inaugural kick-off concert, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
At 2:30 p.m., the Obamas and Bidens -- all sitting in a glass bulletproof section near the stage erected on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial -- had front-row seats to the star-studded show. Obama's two daughters, Malia and Sasha, sat between Barack and Michelle, who wore a camel coat, top and skirt all by Narciso Rodriguez. Malia was busy taking photos with her digital camera. Five minutes later, everyone rose to sing the National Anthem.
Denzel Washington gave an introductory speech. Bruce Springsteen sang "The Rising" with a red-and-white-robed gospel choir behind him.
Then, actress Laura Linney spoke about former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King III read some of John F. Kennedy's famous words. Mary J. Blige then sang "Lean On Me." Obama beamed at her during the performance.
See the Obama family's best "Just Like Us" moments.
Steve Carell and Jamie Foxx took the stage next to speak to the swelling crowd.
Betty LaVette duetted with Jon Bon Jovi . Obama was bopping to the music, and Malia continued to take photos of the crowd. After the song, Tom Hanks , who as Forrest Gump famously gave a speech at the monument steps -- talked about Abraham Lincoln and said, "We cannot escape history." Next up was Marisa Tomei , who talked about how Americans are a family. The music picked up again when James Taylor, John Legend and Faith Hill performed a song together.
Vice President-elect Joe Biden gave a speech and said: "Anyone can make it if given a fair chance. Work isn't about money -- it's about dignity and respect." John Mellencamp sang "Ain't That America."
Queen Latifah spoke at 3:30 p.m. and said, "We're celebrating not just the Inauguration of a new president, but the journey of America continuing to be America." Josh Groban then sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee." After the patriotic number, George Lopez and Kal Penn -- who had the crowd screaming out "Kumar!" -- spoke. Lopez ad-libbed part of his speech and called out: "Anyone here from out of town? Well, you're all home now!"
Then, will.i.am and Sheryl Crow sang Bob Marley's "One Love." When the song morphed into the Black Eyed Peas' "Where is the Love?," Michelle began dancing along in her seat and waving at the performers.
After that powerhouse performance, golf pro Tiger Woods gave a speech honoring men and women in uniform, and the US Naval Academy Glee Club perfomed. Garth Brooks followed them up by singing two songs -- "American Pie" and "Shout."
Find out where the stars will be partying during Inauguration.
Jack Black and Rosario Dawson spoke together before Stevie Wonder , Usher and Shakira sang Wonder's "Higher Ground." During the performance, Wonder shouted, "Good luck, Obama!"
Samuel L. Jackson introduced U2, who sang "In the Name of Love." Frontman Bono congratulated Obama, who smiled back at the rocker.
When the concert was about to come to a close, Obama took the stage to thank everyone for coming and adressed the challenges ahead: "Anything is possible in America. What gives me the greatest hope is you."
Beyonce then sang the finale, "America" as all the day's performers joined her on stage.
More news from Usmagazine.com
comments
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kisekwaI got three words for you whose complaining SUCK IT UP!!!! History was made and now you can't go back...once you go black......report abuseposted February 10, 2009 3:16 AM PST
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austiniteguyI think our nation has much to celebrate today, but its a shame all this $$ is being spent on the inauguration while the economy is in such bad shape. We heard the press slay Sarah Palin on the cost of her wardrobe, yet they give "saint Obamas" a pass on what he is spending? Typical biased press. God Bless America!report abuseposted January 20, 2009 5:27 PM PST
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TaylorActually I live in a red state that the recession hasn't hit. Unlike you Andl I can read and write and do not need help with my spelling. All this complaining about President Bush and you can't any criticism for your magical unicorn. His hey me party is really about change isn't it? $160 million wasted dollars from fundraisers like vp of citigroup.report abuseposted January 20, 2009 5:06 PM PST
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austiniteguyPeople like Lily need to just go away! I think our nation has much to celebrate today, but its a shame all this $$ is being spent on the inauguration while the economy is in such bad shape. We heard the press slay Sarah Palin on the cost of her wardrobe, yet they give "saint Obamas" a pass on what he is spending? Typical biased press. God Bless America!report abuseposted January 20, 2009 4:56 PM PST
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AndIOMG Lily u must like seeing your nighbors suffering and people 401K & IRA going out the window huh? well good luck to u and brush stay BROKE while where prosperous !!!!report abuseposted January 20, 2009 1:27 PM PST
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Vivianette Jthisisagoodday.report abuseposted January 20, 2009 11:37 AM PST
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KimberlyNot Faith Hill with John Legend and James Taylor--it was Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.report abuseposted January 20, 2009 11:27 AM PST
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Taylorlet's all come together. folks didn't say those words for bush or mccain. now they want us to come together for the magical unicorn. he won't be re-elected cause he won't make good on his promises.report abuseposted January 20, 2009 10:24 AM PST
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Kate BWho CARESS! not me! I know i have to deal with him being my prez, but COME ON! GET OFF IT! he is not going to make an amazing prez because he is black. get over it! yes im making this a race issure because well it never felt. im tired of hearing "oh he is going to change evrything for us!" bull sh*t. i hope he proves yall wrong. but then again i really want him to prove me wrong.report abuseposted January 20, 2009 9:28 AM PST
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tampa_girl_2001We all need to come together as one. And support the president regardless if you are democrat or a replublican. I just hope congress lets a few of the promises he made happen to help the American people. Promises are always made but usually not followed through with regardless who the president elect is......report abuseposted January 20, 2009 5:19 AM PST
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