Pop megastar Lady Gaga is set to sing the US National Anthem at president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20. Gaga had campaigned alongside Joe Biden, performing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 2 at a Biden rally; Pennsylvania was one of the key swing states which helped Biden win the US election. On Twitter she said she was ‘deeply honoured to be joining @BidenInaugural’ after calling for Trump’s impeachment for inciting the Capitol Hill riots.
The ‘Chromatica’ superstar will be joined by a Jennifer Lopez on the steps of Capitol Hill which still display the wounds of the attack on January 6. Tom Hanks will be hosting the show titled ‘Celebrating America’ with musical performances from Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Bruce Springsteen and Demi Lovato and will be broadcasted on all major US networks.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has requested visitors to stay at home due to the ongoing struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic. Airbnb have banning bookings in the US capital at the time surrounding the inauguration.
Former President Barack Obama had the late queen of soul Aretha Franklin sing at his 2009 inauguration and Beyoncé performed at his second induction four years later. Disgraced former President Trump had to settle for lesser-known country star Toby Keith in his 2017 ceremony due to his broad dislike in the entertainment industry.
Trump, who is still vehemently denying any sort of defeat, has already announced that he will not be attending the ceremony.
A schedule of events started this weekend with a concert featuring Carole King, Cher and will.i.am among others. Catch Wednesday’s concert via bideninaugural.org/watch, or on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Twitch.
LDN Music Magazine 