(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Biden Inaugural Committee’s Official YouTube Account)

Yesterday, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th president and 49th vice president of the United States respectively on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the inauguration was unlike any other and instead of a traditional ball, a 90-minute special titled Celebrating America was aired last night hosted by actor Tom Hanks. Here are our favorite music moments from yesterday and please don’t forget to tell us yours in the comments section, guys.

  • Lady Gaga opened the inauguration festivities by singing The National Anthem wearing a scene-stealer black-and-red Schiaparelli ball gown adorned with a large golden dove-shaped brooch. 


  • Jennifer Lopez performed a medley of This Land is Your Land and America the Beautiful in a beautiful Chanel ensemble. She recited a part of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish as well: “Una nacion, bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos.” In English, it says, “One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

  • Jon Bon Jovi rocked the stage with his acoustic version of The Beatles’ 1969 hit Here Comes the Sun. I loved the hopeful mood that his performance evoked and although it was upbeat, some netizens were actually moved to tears.

  • Surrounded by 400 lights, Yolanda Adams’ wistful notes echoed through the Lincoln Memorial as she sang her version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah by way of honoring the over 400,000 lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S.

  • A teary-eyed John Legend took center stage with his rendition of Nina Simone’s “joyous emancipation anthem” titled Feeling Good. 

  • DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic” segment during the virtual Parade Across America celebrations that highlighted several performances starting from Earth, Wind & Fire who sang Sing a Song. Then there’s Nile Rodgers and Kathy Sledge, along with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, the Washington Chorus, and the Triumph Baptist Church Choir who, altogether, performed We Are Family.

  • Demi Lovato’s joyful performance of the Bill Withers original Lovely Day with medical frontliners makes you want to singalong and dance with them.
  • Katy Perry has outdone herself with her performance of her mega-hit 2010 song Fireworks and what an epic way to end the inauguration festivities! 

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