Bruce Springsteen kicked off Joe Biden’s inaugural concert as the first artist in the “Celebrating America” special presented by Tom Hanks.
Springsteen, 71, accompanied only by a guitar on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial – with the illuminated National Mall and Washington Monument waving in front of him, said a “little prayer” for the country before singing “Land” of Hope “from 1999. and dreams. ”
Hanks, who fought the coronavirus with his wife, Rita Wilson, earlier last year – has witnessed “deep divisions” and “deficiencies” in recent years.
“Tonight we are pondering the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of the constitution,” as well as the “dreams we share,” Hanks, 64, said.
Following Springsteen and Hanks, Jon Bon Jovi (58) and his orchestra in New Jersey and his orchestra performed The Miami’s hopeful tune ‘Here Comes the Sun’ from Miami.
Following an announcement by the U.S. military trumpet, President Joe Biden offered his own greeting from the base of Lincoln’s statue.
“We have learned again that democracy is precious and that democracy has the upper hand because of you,” he said. He listed the issues facing the country – the coronavirus pandemic, economic crises, racial injustice and more – and called for ‘unity’ to overcome obstacles.
‘The question is: are we up to it? Will we meet the moment as we have tolerators? He said. “I believe we should and I believe we will have to do the same.”
Biden’s speech was followed by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, who participated in a pre-recorded duet of soulful tune ‘Better Days’, with Kirk Franklin and Black Pumas performing ‘Colors’ from Austin, Texas.
Dave Grohl (52) of Foo Fighters paid tribute to ‘unwavering teachers’ like his own mother, Virginia, who have’ unprecedented challenges’ but still manage to alleviate ‘our children’ before becoming a delayed ‘Times Like These ‘performed.
Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Vanessa Williams, Anthony Rapp, Wayne Brady and more also took part in an exciting mashup of ‘Seasons of Love’ (from ‘Rent’) and ‘Let the Sun Shine’.
Later, from Los Angeles, 28-year-old singer Demi Lovato – with her new short, pink pixie track – served up an energetic delivery of ‘Lovely Day’ with the help of celebs and everyday Americans who radiated as her background singers.
And for the finale, pop star Katy Perry – elegantly wrapped in white – blew up her 2010 hit “Firework” as pyrotechnics illuminated the Washington Monument.