Katy Perry.Photo: CNN
Celebrating Americashowcased “the American people’s resilience, heroism, and unified commitment to coming together,” organizers said of the primetime event, meant to replace the glitz and glamor of the usual Washington, D.C., gatherings.
Bruce Springsteen performs at Wednesday night’s inaugural specialCelebrating America.getty images
Justin Timberlake.Getty Images
There were segments spotlighting regular people who had distinguished themselves through service as well.
The special included a mix of remote and pre-recorded appearances.
Partway through, Hanks introduced Biden from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a brief speech following his earlier inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol.
“We’ve learned again that democracy is precious,” Biden said. “Because of you democracy has prevailed. That’s Jill and I, Kamala and Doug, wanted to make sure our inauguration is not about us but about you, the American people.”
Early on in the special, audiences watched as Brayden Harrington – a young boy who spoke about how Biden made him feel confident despite his stuttering problem during theDemocratic National Convention— read lines from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.
Eva LongoriaandKerry Washingtonalso appeared to “introduce segments throughout the night ranging from stories of young people making a difference in their communities to musical performances.”
Ant Clemons andJustin Timberlakeperformed their song “Better Days” andDemi Lovato,Katy Perryand others sang later in the special.
Perry alluded to her own performance as part ofCelebrating Americalate in a photo posted toInstagramon Tuesday.
The photo featured several patriotic microphones from her archives, and later that night, the Biden Inaugural Committee confirmed the news that Perry would indeed be featured in the special.
Sarah Fuller,the first woman to score in a Power 5 football game, introduced Harris, who shared a brief message on the spirit of American aspiration.
“In many ways, this moment embodies our character as a nation,” Harris said. “It demonstrates who we are, even in dark times. We not only dream, we do … we shoot for the moon, and then we plant our flag on it.”
Vice President Kamala Harris.
John Legend.Getty Images
The first woman vice president encouraged Americans to “believe in what we can do together.”
After Harris' moving words,John Legendperformed a powerful rendition of “Feeling Good.”
Sarah Lindsay, a New York nurse who was thefirst person in the U.S. to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, later introduced Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw, who sang their new song “Undivided,” as organizers confirmed to PEOPLE exclusively earlier this week.
The song’s message, as Hubbard (one half ofFlorida Georgia Line) said, is of unity, a parallel to Biden’s campaign.
Former presidentsBarack Obama,George W. Bush, andBill Clintonshared a brief message during the special to wish Biden luck on his presidency.
“We’ve gotta not just listen to folks we agree with, but listen to folks we don’t,” Obama said, later adding, “we’re at our best when we’re all moving in the same direction.”
“Mr. President, I’m pulling for your success,” Bush said. “Your success is our country’s success.”
Demi Lovato.getty images
Healthcare workers dancing along to Demi Lovato.CNN
After Perry’s performance, Biden, Harris and their spouses were seen clapping as they watched the fireworks.
Katy Perry.CNN
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.CNN
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.CNN
“Congratulations President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Hanks concluded the show. “Godspeed your efforts.”
Biden and Harris were sworn in to office on Wednesday morning, kicking off a day of ceremonies celebrations that included avirtual parade, wreath-laying ceremony andmilitary salute.
Celebrating Americabegan airing on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC and NBC as well as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and other streaming platforms.
source: people.com
