The Best Inauguration Performances Throughout History, From Lady Gaga To Beyoncé

With amazing performances from Lady Gaga and JLo at Joe Biden's inauguration today, let's take a look back at the most legendary inauguration performances.

Beyonce Best Inauguration Performances

by Shana Lynch |
Updated on

The day has finally come – Joe Biden has been sworn into office, removing Donald Trump as the President of the United States. Insert praise hands emoji.

And while Donald Trump leaving office is more than enough reason to celebrate, we have even more to look forward to today: namely, the swearing-in of Kamala Harris – the first woman, first African-American and first Asian-American Vice President – and musical performances by lots of A-listers.

Who performed at Biden's inauguration?

Lady Gaga, who has worked with both President Biden and President Obama, kicked things off at around 4:30pm our time belting out 'The Star Spangled Banner.'

Then, following Biden and Harris both taking the oath of office, Jennifer Lopez sang 'This Land Is Your Land.' Because of the pandemic, the inauguration will look a little different this year, but the Presidential Inaugural Committee has said there will be a virtual Parade Across America featuring musical acts and tributes to key workers.

Later, at 1:30am UK time, the Biden team has prepared a 90-minute special for TV called ‘Celebrating America,’ hosted by Tom Hanks. Artists including Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Jon Bon Jovi and John Legend are expected to perform.

Top-tier talent performing at presidential inauguration is nothing new, and many will remember Beyoncés incredible performances at both of Obama's inaugurations. But Queen Bey isn't the only one who gives a killer presidential performances. From Fleetwood Mac reuniting for Bill Clinton to Donald Trump's, uh, lack of willing A-listers to perform, here's a look back at the most legendary inauguration performances.

Who performed at Obama's inauguration?

Aretha Franklin, 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee,' 2009

Aretha Franklin performed at the inaugurations of three presidents — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter — but it’s her soulful take on ‘My Country ’Tis of Thee’ from Obama’s first inauguration that really stands out. Just look at that hat.

Beyoncé, 'At Last,' 2009

Beyoncé has had quite a few memorable presidential performances with President Obama, but this one takes the cake. Serenading the new president and first lady with ‘At Last,’ you can almost feel the weight this moment will have on history. Kerry Washington at the 1:29 mark is all of us.

Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger, 'This Land is Your Land,' 2009

We promise you won’t be able to watch this without smiling (and, possibly, crying). Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger and Seeger’s grandson Tao Rodríguez-Seeger take the stage and deliver the most joyful performance of ‘This Land Is Your Land’ the world has ever seen. This is another moment from Obama’s first inauguration where you can really feel how immense the occasion is.

Beyoncé, 'The Star Spangled Banner,' 2013

Our second favourite Beyoncé-inauguration performance is when she returned to sing the national anthem at Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. Her voice gives us chills, and the image of future-president Joe Biden standing next to his late son Beau is heart-breaking.

Kelly Clarkson, 'My Country 'Tis of Thee,' 2013

Also at Obama’s second inauguration, Kelly Clarkson sang an incredible rendition of ‘My Country ’Tis of Thee.’

Who performed at Bill Clinton's inauguration?

Barbra Streisand, ‘God Bless America,’ 1993

A version of ‘God Bless America’ unlike any other, Streisand truly makes this performance her own, but the best part comes at the 1:25 mark when the cameras pan to newly-sworn-in President Clinton who is simultaneously tearing up and fist-bumping.

Fleetwood Mac, 'Don't Stop,' 1993

Also at Clinton’s first inaugural ball, Fleetwood Mac returned to the stage together for the first time since 1982 with a cheerful performance of ‘Don’t Stop.’ The best part is tied between the awkward-but-heart-warming dancing of the First Family – including teenage Chelsea Clinton – and the surprise guest performance from Michael Jackson.

Bob Dylan, 'Chimes of Freedom, 1993

OK, last one from 1993, but Bob Dylan's raspy performance of 'Chimes of Freedom' at the inauguration concert is a must-watch. He even got a thumbs-up from the new president.

Who performed at George W Bush's inauguration?

Ricky Martin, 'Cup of Life,' 2001

Ricky Martin was the last performer at George W. Bush’s first inauguration, and he wasn’t going to let the event end on a quiet note. Bringing the energy and passion, he led the audience, calling out, ‘do you really want it?’ ‘Yeah!’

Who performed at Trump's inauguration?

Jackie Evancho, 'The Star Spangled Banner,' 2017

For his inauguration four years, Donald Trump had some, um, trouble sourcing big-name singers to perform, with artists such as Elton John, David Foster and The Beach Boys all publicly stating they were asked to appear, but declined. 16-year-old Jackie Evancho, a former contestant on America’s Got Talent, sang the national anthem.

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