inauguration

Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor to Sing at Inauguration

Beyonce sings as US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle (not pictured) dance at the Neighborhood Ball January 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C., the first of ten inauguration balls.
Beyonce sings as US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle (not pictured) dance at the Neighborhood Ball January 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C., the first of ten inauguration balls. Photo: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Who is brave enough to stand in the shadow of Aretha Franklin and her giant hat? Beyoncé, naturally, who sang “At Last” at Obama’s first Inaugural Ball and will take on the National Anthem at the president’s second inauguration. She’ll be joined by Kelly Clarkson, who will perform “My Country Tis of Thee” (sung by Franklin the first time around), and James Taylor, who has dibs on “America the Beautiful.” For future reference, the true answer to the question “Why do you want to be president?” is “Because I can get Beyoncé to sing for me whenever I want.”

Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson to Sing at Inauguration