By Faiza Ahmed
The outfits worn by celebrities on January 20 were not the only showstopping aspect of the 2021 inauguration. The inaugural ceremony was filled with performances from various artists such as Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Ozuna and Louis Fonsi. Abiding by the health guidelines, President Joe Biden emphasized that civilians should watch the ceremony live and explained how the experience would be just as enriching at home versus in person.
In addition to the vocal performers, poet Amanda Gorman also contributed to welcoming the new president into office. Making history as the youngest inaugural poet, Gorman recited a poem about unity called “The Hill We Climb.” Despite the perils of the pandemic, her powerful words inspired the nation and instilled hope in countless citizens.
“We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried. That we'll forever be tied together, victorious,” said Gorman.
These words resonated with the people across the nation, from those in attendance at the Capitol to viewers at home. Gorman’s impact was clear as she was invited to recite poetry before the 55th Super Bowl game as well.
Poet Amanda Gorman delivers a poem packed with encouraging and hopeful words at the 2021 Inauguration.
Before the inauguration ceremony, the festivities started with the “We the People" virtual concert, led by James Taylor, Carole King, and Fall Out Boy. The ticket sales usually go back to the artists, but they collectively decided it would benefit the President Inaugural Committee more this year. Furthermore, the Marine Band accompanied pop star Lady Gaga as she sang the national anthem. To end the performances, singer Jennifer Lopez sang “This Land is Your Land” and “America, The Beautiful.”
“It was a real queer way of commencing a new presidency and the performers did do their absolute best, but, as much as I love JLO, her saying, ‘Let’s Get Loud’ was a tad out of place, but I loved how she sang in Spanish to reiterate how we are embracing diversity in this new presidency,” said senior Gauri Shyamnath.
Source by Jada Seto
To start off the new inauguration, Lady Gaga sang the National Anthem ringing in the beginning of Joseph R. Biden's New Presidency.
Lopez’s renditions of “This Land Is Your Land” and “America, the Beautiful” did not go unrecognized as many connected the songs to their lives as well. Her journey from a mere civilian living in Bronx, New York, to one of the most famous music artists in the industry is an example of the American Dream. Shortly after her performance, Biden's speech reminded everyone about our country's motto regarding democracy.
“I love how [Biden] mentioned that democracy can prevail at the end of the day no matter how many battles we face against each other or from the outside world. He explained how we should strive for not a perfect union but a country in which people from all backgrounds can not just live but thrive in harmony,” said sophomore Brenda Bolouvi.