[ad_1]
Bruce Springsteen kicked off Joe Biden’s inaugural concert as the lead performer on the “Celebrating America” special hosted by Tom Hanks.
Accompanied only by a guitar on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial – with the illuminated National Mall and the Washington Monument beckoning in front of him – Springsteen, 71, offered a “little prayer” for the country before serenading her song from 1999 “Land of Hope and Dreams. “
Hanks – who, along with his wife, Rita Wilson, battled the coronavirus earlier last year – said he has witnessed “deep division” and “resentment” across the country in recent years.
“Tonight we meditate on the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of the constitution,” as well as the “dreams we share,” said Hanks, 64 years.
After Springsteen and Hanks, Jon Bon Jovi, 58, from New Jersey, and his band performed the hopeful Beatles tune “Here Comes the Sun” from Miami.
After a herald of the US Army trumpets, President Joe Biden offered his own salvation from the base of the Lincoln statue.
“We have learned again that democracy is precious and, thanks to you, democracy has prevailed,” he said. He went on to list the issues facing the nation – the coronavirus pandemic, economic crises, racial injustice and more – and called for “unity” to overcome obstacles.
“The question is: are we up to the task? Are we going to meet the moment as our ancestors did? he said. “I believe we must and I believe we will.”
Biden’s speech was attended by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, who joined in a pre-recorded duet of the soulful song “Better Days”, starring Kirk Franklin as well as Black Pumas who performed “Colors” from Austin, Texas.
Dave Grohl, 52, of Foo Fighters paid tribute to “steadfast teachers” like his own mother, Virginia, who “face unprecedented challenges” but still manage to “enlighten our children” before performing a ” Times Like These ”in slow motion.
Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Vanessa Williams, Anthony Rapp, Wayne Brady and many more also joined in for a thrilling mix of “Seasons of Love” (from “Rent”) and “Let the Sun Shine”.
Later, from Los Angeles, 28-year-old singer Demi Lovato – sporting her new short, pink pixie cut – came up with an energetic rendition of “Lovely Day” with help from celebrities and ordinary Americans who shined in. as background singers.
And for the finale, pop star Katy Perry – elegantly wrapped in white – released her 2010 hit “Firework” as fireworks lit up the Washington Monument.
[ad_2]
Source link