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Aretha Franklin performed at Obama's inauguration.

Michelle Obama’s now-famous Jason Wu gown isn’t the only piece of Inaugural fashion that is headed for the Smithsonian. The museum is also requesting the now-iconic hat that Aretha Franklin wore while singing at the swearing-in.

Aretha, however, is still undecided about parting with her Luke Song-designed hat. “I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history,” says the Queen of Soul.

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One iReporter submitted this “purple tunnel” photo.

The oath of office flub wasn't the only Inauguration Day snafu: Thousands of ticket-holders were trapped in a tunnel just yards away from the site of President Obama's swearing-in. Already, more than three thousand have joined the "Survivors of the Purple Tunnel of Doom" Facebook group - and many have posted images of their experience on iReport.com.

Were you a purple ticket-holder? Share your Inauguration Day experience on
iReport.com.

Michelle Obama, dressed in Jason Wu, and President Obama at the Home State Ball Tuesday night.

(CNN) - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were dancing their way through 10 official inaugural balls after a day of pomp and circumstance that saw his first presidential address and excitement about her inaugural dress.

Watch: Obama's hit the dance floor

The Obamas were serenaded by Beyoncé during their first dance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night.

Beyoncé sang Etta James' "At Last," from her role in the movie "Cadillac Records" as the couple laughed and took their first spin around the dance floor.

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President Obama renewed his call for a massive plan to stimulate economic growth.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama's inaugural address was cooler, more measured and reassuring than that of other presidents making it, perhaps, the right speech for the times.

Some inaugural addresses are known for their soaring, inspirational language. Like John F. Kennedy's in 1961: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

Obama's address was less stirring, perhaps, but it was also more candid and down-to-earth.

"Starting today," the new president said, "we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America."

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Hollywood legend Cher joined other celebrities at the RIAA inaugural bash in Washington Tuesday night.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - It's unlikely President Obama will stop by, but for Hollywood fans the Ibiza nightclub is the hottest ticket in Washington tonight.

A star-studded group strolled the heated red carpet at the Recording Industry Association of America's post-inaugural bash.

Rihanna, who was slated to perform, told CNN's Jessica Yellin that during her travels abroad she'd found tremendous excitement about Obama's election.

"It had such a strong impact all over the world," she said. "The first black president, and being part of that was such a big deal to the rest of the world."

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First lady Michelle Obama stepped out Tuesday night in a white detailed gown designed by Jason Wu.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – “What should I wear” is a question many women have asked before dressing for a big event, but if you think you have it rough, step into Michelle Obama’s shoes – Jimmy Choo shoes that is.

Michelle Obama graced the first inaugural ball of the evening in a white, one-shoulder, Jason Wu dress with delicate detailing. Regarded as a fashion no-no, the first lady chose pure white to wear during the winter, and the bold number is getting mixed reviews by the fashion elite.

Hailed by some as the modern-day Jackie O., speculation has swirled over what, or who, the first lady would wear on her husband’s big day. Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs are just a few of the renowned designers who created sketches of possible outfits for the first lady to don on the big night. But ultimately, Michelle decided upon the white detailed number to celebrate her husband’s transition to the Oval Office.

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Jennifer Lopez and performed with her husband Marc Anthony Tuesday night at the Western Ball.

(CNN) - Attendees at tonight’s presidential inaugural balls, like the 11,500 at the official Western ball, were lucky to spend maybe 20 minutes of their night with the president. The rest of the time, they were waiting - and not just for the first family to make an appearance.

They waited to get through security. To check their coats. To buy drink tickets, then to exchange those tickets for plastic glasses of chardonnay and mid-priced champagne. To cycle through buffet lines for plates of pasta and dinner rolls, which they’ll eat standing up.

With a few exceptions – like the events dedicated to military personnel, young people and residents of Washington, DC – most balls featured states grouped together by region. The Western ball drew 11,500 guests, from places like Oregon and Idaho to Montana and Guam. Californians like Director Ron Howard and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Cheryl Hines mixed with residents of Sarah Palin’s home state of Alaska. Both were serenaded by soft rock standards and BeeGees classics. Later in the evening, singer Marc Anthony was set to take the stage.

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The Bidens are making the rounds at the inaugural balls Tuesday night.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – It's Joe Biden's home states ball, but it could be any giant prom or wedding party.

The ball is one of six official galas in the Washington Convention Center on Inauguration night. There's nothing here representing Biden's home states of Delaware and Pennsylvania, but hundreds of revelers were still enjoying themselves, noshing on pasta italiano and crudite.

Lots of people got tickets from friends or coworkers, but if you had to dish out the $150 for a way in, you still had to pay $12 for a glass of champagne. And don't expect Dom Perignon, either. But the dance floor is packed listening to the 11-piece James Gerard Orchestra playing classics like "My Girl," "The Way You Look Tonight" (Sinatra version), "Brick House" and "I Will Survive."

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A glimpse of the first lady's gown has been greatly anticipated as part of the inauguration festivities. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The president and first lady shared their first ballroom dance togehter since the swearing in when they made an appearance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night.

Related: President, first lady make the rounds at inaugural balls

Before leaving the White House to return to Texas, Former President George W. Bush left a letter on the desk in the Oval Office for his successor President Barack Obama. (Photo Credit: White House photo)

Related: Bush's final day

Watch: Tuesday 'was a great day for America,' says Bush

(CNN) – A million and a half people flooded the National Mall Tuesday for the inauguration of Barack Obama as president of the United States, according to an analysis of satellite imagery provided to CNN by IHS Jane's.

Related: Explore the satellite image of the Mall

The image used by IHS Jane's to estimate the crowd size was taken at 11:19 a.m. and included the areas blocked off for the 240,000 ticket-holders and the rest of the Mall, where the general public gathered for the event.

IHS Jane's is a leading information provider on defense, international risk and national security to governments, militaries, industries and academia around the world.

The president signed three documents soon after his swearing in Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - As his first official action after being sworn in, President Barack Obama signed three documents Tuesday, including a proclamation declaring a day of national renewal and reconciliation.

"I'm a lefty. Get used to it," Obama quipped as he signed his name. "I was told not to swipe the pen."

The past three presidents signed similar reconciliation proclamations upon being sworn in.

Also signed by Obama were Cabinet and sub-Cabinet nominations. Those nominations will be presented to the Senate when it meets at 3 p.m. Tuesday,
and are necessary before the full Senate can confirm the nominations, according
to Senate staff members.

The president and first lady walked for portions of the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue Tuesday. (Photo Credit: CNN)

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama took to the street for part of his procession from the Capitol to the White House, prompting screams and chants of his names from spectators on the sidelines.

Watch: The president and first lady walk down Penn. Ave.

Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, left the limousines they were riding in and walked under heavy security from near the National Archives building to near the Justice Department. They then returned to their vehicles - although Biden climbed back out to walk the street and wave to the crowd again as they neared the White House.

The parade, which runs just under two miles, took Obama from the U.S. Capitol, where he had lunch with congressional leaders, to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Hours before the parade started, the stands at the end of the route started filling up with an excited crowd.

The seats, right near where President Obama will sit to watch the parade were treated to an explanation of the day's events by the announcer.

Hours before Obama was scheduled to join them in the presidential reviewing stand, the announcer told them the newly sworn-in president would be eating lunch at the Capitol.

"So while you are freezing, they are having a wonderful time," the announcer joked over the parade route speakers.

Reed brought her daughters to see the inaugural parade.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A few minutes after Obama spoke, Vanessa Reed reflected on the speech as she sat with her daughters across from the presidential reviewing stand at the end of the parade route.

"It was beautiful. It spoke to the issues of the moment," said Reed, who worked for the campaign. "I am proud this country saw what we saw in him."

Not as impressed: her youngest daughter Brooke.

"It was so boring," said Brooke, 4. Reed said her daughters, Brooke and older daughter Gabrielle, 6, understood the moment.

"They understand it is all a celebration," said Reed, who added that they were really excited about seeing Miley Cyrus at the inaugural concert this weekend.

Kennedy suffered a seizure while dining in the Capitol.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, collapsed Tuesday afternoon during a congressional luncheon held for President Barack Obama in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

Paramedics were called to the scene at 2:35 p.m. ET. Kennedy, who appeared to be suffering from a seizure, was transported to Washington Hospital Center.

He was later alert and talking to family, Washington Hospital Center spokeswoman Paula Faria said.

"Senator Kennedy had a seizure" which "lasted a while," a Republican House member told CNN. The member said Kennedy was still experiencing seizures when he was put in a wheelchair and taken out through the Rayburn room, located to the side of Statuary Hall.

Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, and Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch all accompanied Kennedy to the hospital, Hatch told CNN.

"He looked like he was going to be OK," Hatch said.

Obama mentioned Kennedy's condition while speaking at the luncheon.

Kennedy "was there when the Voting Rights Act passed," the new president said. "Along with John Lewis, (he) was a warrior for justice. And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now, a part of me is with him. And I think that's true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time, and my prayers are with him and his family and (his wife) Vicki."

Kennedy, 76, was first elected to the Senate in 1962.

Also during the luncheon, Sen. Robert Byrd, D-West Virginia, appeared to be experiencing some difficulty, but Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said he is fine.

Byrd, 91, was first elected in 1958.

Senate chaplain Barry C. Black prays for Sen. Kennedy Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Orrin Hatch said Tuesday Sens. Dodd, Kerry and Hatch all accompanied Kennedy to the ambulance after he collapsed at the Capitol luncheon held in honor of President Obama.

"He looked like he was going to be ok. We all prayed for him," Hatch told CNN producer Evan Glass.

On the Senate floor, the chaplain offered a special prayer for the Massachusetts senator. "In a special way today, we ask for your healing hands to be placed upon Senator Teddy Kennedy," he said. "Oh god, you are a healer, and we claim your promise that if we will ask in faith, you will respond."

Sen. Patrick Leahy just said that after Kennedy had problems, President Obama went to the area. "He came back and seemed very, very concerned. He spoke to others and asked for a moment of silence," said Leahy.

Ashley Jeter is a student at Virginia’s Hampton University.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – In stands along the parade route, Ashley Jeter shared the moment of Barack Obama's inauguration with her Aunt Collette in Charlotte NC. "I was screaming, excited, joyful. My aunt was screaming too," said Jeter.

Jeter traveled with her friend Courtney to Washington from Hampton University in Virginia where they are freshmen. Both young women were first-time voters in this presidential election, and dedicated Obama supporters who got up at 4 am on Election Day. After celebrating all night Monday, they set out set out at 5 am Tuesday morning to get to their spot on the parade route.

LONDON, England (CNN) – Almost everyone wants to be the friend of newly inaugurated U.S. President Barack Obama - none more so than his fellow European leaders.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Many claim he has already had his first meeting with a foreign head of state.

Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon last week, afterwards telling media that there was an "extraordinary relationship."

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GAZA CITY, Gaza (CNN) – As Barack Obama took the oath of office Tuesday, the head of the United Nations was touring war-ravaged Gaza and southern Israel - and taking the opportunity to send a message to the new U.S. leader.

A Palestinian man throws debris out of his destroyed house in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip on January 20, 2009.

"I sincerely hope that President Obama will take as a matter of priority these Middle East policies," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told CNN, when asked his advice for Obama.

Speaking during a visit to Sderot, a city in southern Israel that has endured rocket fire from Hamas for years, Ban said the Bush administration "has been leading and heavily engaged" in the region, and he noted the "Annapolis peace process." But, he added, "Unfortunately, we have not achieved the goals."

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