WASHINGTON, January 13, 2013 — Grammy winning performers will star at the second Inaugural of President Obama and the two gala balls on Monday, January 21.
Beyoncé, who has won 16 Grammies and sold 75 million albums worldwide, will sing our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” at the official swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. She will be joined by Kelly Clarkson, the original “American Idol” and winner of two Grammy Awards, who will perform “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” National Medal of Arts winner and music legend James Taylor rounds out the trio of performers, singing “America the Beautiful.”
Kate Perry will perform at one of the gala Inaugural Balls AP
The two official galas, down from 10 four years ago, will still see Billboard stars.
Slated to appear are Kate Perry, Alicia Keys, Far East Movement, fun., cast of “Glee,” John Legend, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon, Smokey Robinson, Soul Children of Chicago, Stevie Wonder, and Usher.
Beyoncé has become one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture. She emerged as a founding member, lead singer and songwriter of Destiny’s Child and later developed into an iconic solo artist, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. She has released four #1 solo albums, selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards. Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the last decade.
James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal form. His career has spanned four decades with close to a 100 million albums sold and five Grammy Awards. His warm baritone, introspective lyrics and unique guitar playing have inspired countless performers. In 2011, Taylor was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama at The White House and in 2012 he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. Both medals are their nation’s highest honors for artistic excellence, recognizing outstanding his achievements and support of the arts.
James Taylor, Beyonce, and Kelly Clarkson will sing at the Inaugural ceremony AP
Kelly Clarkson since her discovery on “American Idol” in 2002 has released five studio albums and one greatest hits album, selling more than 20 million albums worldwide and has had 10 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Now a global superstar, Clarkson has won two Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, two ACM Awards, a CMA Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Her most recent studio album, Stronger, is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and was recently nominated for four 2013 Grammy Awards.
The Presidential Inauguration Committee has not yet announced the schedule of the singers and the events.
Follow all of our stories on President Obama’s Second Inaugural at
Also read:
Inauguration 2013: President Obama, three Bibles, two oaths
Want to see the 2013 Inauguration and Parade? Here’s how
2013 Inauguration: How much will it cost you?
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
