Broadcast live on an open signal from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., by HBO. "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" performance was a two-hour historical event organized with themes that shaped President Obama's campaign and will be the hallmarks of his administration. Being surrounded by an estimated half million people was well worth braving the cold, long security lines, and the hassles.
The list of musical performers featured: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, Bettye LaVette, Jon Bon Jovi, Mstr. Sgt. Caleb Green (U.S. Army), John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Pete Seeger, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, U2, Will.i.am and Stevie Wonder.
Among those that read historical passages were Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah, Denzel Washington, Jack Black, Steve Carell, Rosario Dawson, Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Ashley Judd, Kal Penn, Forest Whitaker, Samuel L. Jackson and Tiger Woods. The Reverend V. Gene Robinson gave the invocation.
"The list of stars is impressive. But this is not a show biz, glitzy occasion. It's going to be rooted in history, remembering the great president (Lincoln) who led us through difficult times," - executive producer George Stevens Jr.
Crowd watching Beyonce on a giant LED screen The crowd watches on as the stunning Beyonce Knowles performs "America The Beautiful"
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Beyonce performing "America the Beautiful" Superstar singer Beyonce Knowles sings "America The Beautiful"
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All the stars gathered onstage when Beyonce sang Beyonce Knowles and her fellow stars onstage at the Lincoln Memorial as she sings "America The Beautiful" at the conclusion of the Obama Inaugural Celebration
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Beyonce and all the day's celebrities Beyonce Knowles and all the stars onstage at the Lincoln Memorial
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From L to R: Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Joe Biden, Jamie Kennedy, John Mellencamp, Steve Carrel and Jack Black The President and Vice-president greet the stars' at the conclusion of the Celebration.
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Bono of U2 greets Sheryl Crow Bono of the rock band U2 greets singer Sheryl Crow at the end of the celebration
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Bono goes to greet a fan U2's Bono extends a hand to greet a fan after the festivities
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U2's The Edge and the Bald Eagle handler "The Edge" and the Bald Eagle handler onstage after the Obama Inaugural Celebration
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Jack Black goes to shake a fan's hand Actor Jack Black appears as though he's going to slap the hand of an admiring fan.
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Beyonce being interviewed by "ET" Singer Beyonce Knowles being interviewed "backstage" at Obama Inaugural Celebration by "Entertainment Tonight"
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Country music legend Garth Brooks Garth Brooks after the Obama Inaugural Celebration
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Actor Mr. Tom Hanks Tom Hanks backstage after the Obama Inaugural Celebration held at the Lincoln Memorial 18 January, 2009
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Tom Hanks and friend, post-show Tom Hanks and friend, post-show at the Obama Inaugural Celebration held at the Lincoln Memorial
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Samuel L. Jackson and George Lopez Actor Samuel L. Jackson and comedian/actor George Lopez after the Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
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Queen Latifah being interviewed * Queen Latifiah being interviewed backstage by Entertainment Television (ET) at the Obama Inaugural Celebration
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