With passion and fashion, Lady Gaga delivers powerful anthem
WASHINGTON » A fullthroated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in a very Gaga way
— with flamboyance, fashion and passion.
The Grammy winner wore a large dove pin and an impressively billowing red sculpted skirt as she sang into a golden microphone, delivering an emotional and powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” She was followed at Wednesday’s ceremony by Jennifer Lopez, dressed all in white, with a moving medley of “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful,” throwing in some Spanish.
And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a gospel-tinged, soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. Leaving the podium, he donned his cowboy hat again, shook hands and hugged former President Barack Obama.
The three superstars were among a slew of celebrities descending on Washington
— virtually or in person — to welcome the new administration of Biden and Kamala Harris, a duo popular in Hollywood, where former President Donald Trump was decidedly not.
But Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday nonpolitical and in the spirit of unity. Brooks performed during the inaugural celebration of Obama in 2009, but turned down a chance to play for Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict.
Other top-tier performers were part of “Celebrating America,” a 90-minute, multi-network evening broadcast hosted by Tom Hanks that took the place of the usual official inaugural balls. “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda contributed a classical recitation, joining musicians like Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi. Hosts Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria were joined by basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, chef Jose Andres, labor leader Dolores Huerta and Kim Ng, the first female general manager in MLB history.