Beyonce, Jamie Foxx among stars to appear at inaugural kickoff
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/12/art.beyonce.gi.jpg caption="Beyonce will be among the stars to appear at the inaugural kickoff event."](CNN) - The opening celebration of the presidential inauguration will feature a massive line-up of musical all-stars performing a free show in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Monday.
The event will feature performances by: "Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder," said the committee. "Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington."
The release confirmed that Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly gay Episcopal bishop, will deliver the invocation, and that additional performances may be added.
The event will be televised by HBO on an open signal accessible to all U.S. viewers with access to cable, telcos or satellite television.
What, no Hank Williams Jr singing about the half-wit, the new face(s) of the republican party?
TCM: your little racist attitude is an example of why your party lost! Thanks!
The only question I have is how will all this cost? I know that this is the first time in our history but, really do we need to run up more bills right now. I did not vote for Mr. Obama but, I going to give him the chance to lead.
I just do not understand the over the top use of money for this party. I would love to use it to feed those that will still need food a week later. Again lets think about the future not just today.
Jerry R Lucas RN
Male Nurse Magazine .com
It was never about America. It really is all about the razzle and dazzle of the Obamas shoving it down the white man's throat. When it comes down to it someone will become the sacrificial lamb. LOL.
Okay, seriously, you guys.....the lineup is amazing. It's diverse, INCLUSIVE, and has a little bit of something for everyone, no matter where your musical, political, or religious interests lie. And for the record, the rumor about Beyonce being jealous was – a RUMOR! You grown people need to stop hating on Beyonce.
Beyonce need to sit her "Should of put a Ring on it " Down somewhere! She never was into Politics, just another way to gain exposure...I call her Fake!!!
to all you BIGOTS who hide behind Ethernet cord connections and show your true colors! there's only one place for you and it's called HELL !!! raw fish tastes much better when it's fried like chicken!
You need to get real deal with it. The best man won. You need to remember the crap that bush put us threw. This isn't Black or White America. It's America. So if you want to complain do. It's funny how so many positive voices were heard over your ignorant one. So regardless Wake Up!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brand New Day
Who wouldn't want to be a part of history, sure the line up is Okay, some should be there and some shouldn't. Lets not lose focus on OUR REAL ISSUES!!!
Hey, why all the Beyonce' hate. Give her a break. As a vocalist trained to evaluate musical talent, I can say that she actually is very talented if not predictable. You may not like her style, but she can sing circles around the average person. She has been singing, arranging and producing music since she was a child. She worked hard and paid her dues and now they are coming to fruition...giver her a break. This is America isn't it? Or is the American dream only for certain folk?
I really don't get it...we are all suppose to be AMERICANS and most of the comments posted here and elsewhere are made by people who want America to fail. Barack Hussien Obama (I hope I spelled his name right) is our 44th president. If he fails, we all fail. And to the people who have a problem/negative opinion about the selected entertainment...America is not white, for white people, about white people...we are all Americans and it is about time the going ons in America reflect the diversity. We are all AMERICANS, if you don't want watch/participate in the celebration of our newly elected president, that is your business, but please don't rain on our parade with you nastiness.
Why would they let someone like beyonce who is a terrible influence to young women with all that booty shaking leg gaping antics pwerform at this event, she is so so very over rated. I would hope for a great talent like Alicia Keyes or Jennife Hudson true genuine talented singers. I heard the obama girls like beyonce, they should not be allowed to listen to her music or watch her videos to trashy.
All the Single Ladies! Hip hip hurray it just doesn't get any better than Beyonce!
This is a great line up artists. Nice entertainment for the internet generation!
WELL YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT IT SHE JUST ABOUT BEGGED TO SING SO I GUESS LOOK WHAT BEGGIN WILL DO WITH HER SORRY SELF
I can't wait to watch our next President being sworn in. I am so excited that all these talented people are just as joyous as the rest of us Americans for our next President!!!
Hurry up January 20th!
I'd really like to know why empathy for those less fortunate is now "liberal." Why despising war is "liberal." Why voting for a Christian is "liberal." Why expecting the President to abide by the Constitution, no matter what, is "liberal." Aren't those all conservative values? Is this country really turned upside down?
Did anyone notice the word "free" in the article? Also I remember immediately after the election, many of these artists volunteered their services for inauguration before anything was even asked (Beyonce actually even canceled some international tour or something of that nature). What is the outcry about the expense all about? The stage set-up which would have been done anyway concert or not? The artists who are performing most likely pro-bono? I don't get it. Can't we just kick back and enjoy one day without all the partisan bickering, which by the way will not change the outcome.
With all the other BIG names on the list to preform why is it so many people hating on Beyonce? There has been a lot of overrated performers Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne just to name a few...
Did you all forget about Mr. Obama's speech in 2004. Why United ..........State of America???? Ever thought of the word "united"
It's about time we wake up to the changes that are taking place in America.......Changes that we can believe in. Beyonce or Stevie, liberal or conservatives, Bishop Robinson or Pr. Warren...... Can we all be united for the country's sake??????