Beyoncé to perform for inauguration
Washington (CNN) - Among the stars in town for President Barack Obama's second inauguration will be pop star Beyoncé Knowles, who will perform the national anthem at the January 21 public ceremony.
In 2009, she performed at a concert in Washington on the eve of Obama's first inauguration, and more recently was photographed in September alongside the president at a fundraiser she and her husband - rapper Jay-Z - hosted for his re-election. She also performed at one of the inaugural balls in 2009.
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Also performing this year are James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson, the Presidential Inaugural Committee Press Office announced Wednesday. Taylor will perform "America the Beautiful" and Clarkson will sing "My Country Tis of Thee."
In a statement, Obama said these artists' music "is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country."
Obama presented Taylor the National Medal of Arts in 2011.
Richard Blanco will be the inaugural poet, the committee said. He is from Maine and has published three poetry collections. The inaugural committee says he will be the first Hispanic or LGBT person to serve as inaugural poet.
Performers at Obama's official 2009 inauguration ceremony included Aretha Franklin and Yo-Yo Ma. His inaugural poet was Elizabeth Alexander of Connecticut.
His 2013 inaugural committee is co-chaired by actress Eva Longoria. Obama will be officially sworn in to his second term on Sunday, January 20, as is constitutionally mandated, but the public ceremony will be held on January 21.
- CNN's Gregory Wallace contributed to this report
Congrats. Beyonce is a multi-talented artist with a beautiful voice.
Undoubtedly, the crazy redneck Ted Nugent was scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the Romney inauguration. The nation breathed a sigh of relief this past Election Night.
Wonderful!
Beyonce has been extremely supportive of President Obama from the very beginning.
I distinctly remember Beyonce tearing up with emotion as she watched our newly minted POTUS and FLOTUS dance to her rendition of the aptly titled song "At Last".
I believe that many, so many of us felt the magnitude of that moment and sat in our homes crying tears of joy and not quite believeing what our eyes were witnessing.
What an indelibly great memory!
Thank you Beyonce, and to my President and First Lady for living up to all of our expectations and conducting yourselves with such incredible dignity, grace, class, and statesmanship.
We love you!!!!!
@Dominican Mama. Thank you for putting into words exactly what so many of us felt and still do! I remember watching the last inauguration with tears in my eyes too. I couldn't believe it was actually happening. Growing up I never thought that day would come.....
Great post as usual!
Yes! She is one of the most hard working, respected and talented artist of our time.
I respect Kelly Clarkson, she was a supporter of Ron Paul and even though he did not get far she recognized and respects that the fact Obama won and is honored to perform for the country and the POTUS! Others should take her que!
She is a beautiful woman with a wonderful voice. She could sing for me anytime. Tell you the truth i wish she was mine. I mean what do JayZ have that i dont? Oh yeah,lots and lots of money.
Who cares?
That is no justification, for a second inauguration for an incumbent President. It is simply governmental WASTE!
Don't care. This isn't newsworthy.
My old boss was in love with her. I remember when she and Jay first got together. My boss comes into my office and said, "Who is this Jay Z and what is he doing with my woman??" I explained who he was and Tom just said, "he better treat her right or I'll be looking for him!" What an awesome guy my old boss was.......
Thank you Wake up People! I enjoy your posts as well. They are heartfelt.
I can't wait to witness once again a history making moment. The Obama's represent EVERYTHING right about America. Hard work, education, family values, beauty and parenting.
God Bless America.