Inauguration Performers

“2020 felt way longer than a year” is a statement every American can concur with. Now that we have begun a new year, the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden felt like a fresh start. Every year the inaugural celebration is graced with a multitude of performances, and this year three particular artists took to that high honor. 

One of the celebrated performers was none other than the beloved icon “J-Lo”, short for Jeniffer Lopez. Lopez has been a beloved American singer and actress since her classic hits such as “Jenny From the Block” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” At the inauguration, Lopez performed her rendition of “This Land is Your Land”, which included references to “America the Beautiful ” and her 1999 hit “Let’s Get Loud” which was met with some criticism. The song itself holds a personal connection to her as she performed it less than a year ago with her daughter at the 2020 Super Bowl. Lopez also included a Spanish rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance. In which she recited “Una nación, bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos” meaning “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Lopez dressed in a classy, all-white Chanel suit with a nude make-up look.

Lady Gaga also performed at the inauguration and caused quite a stir. While she sang a beautiful cover of the national anthem, her voice wasn’t the only topic of discussion. Her custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture dress had a fit navy top and a puffed red skirt, along with a gold dove. This dove is what caused people to believe she was referencing “The Hunger Games,” a Suzane Collins series about a dystopian world that has a bird as its symbol for revolution. While it’s unclear if this was a reference to the popular novels, it fueled the internet to create a series of memes. Gaga responded with a tweet stating, “A dove carrying an olive branch. May we all make peace with each other.” The final performer of the inauguration was Garth Brooks, a country artist. He had the honor of performing the song “Amazing Grace,” and he did so in a fitted suit and a cowboy hat. His rugged look contrasted his sweet tone and gentle performance. 

All of the performers during this inauguration stuck to their roots and brought a diverse mix of performances, truly representing America’s fundamental values. This inauguration brings an important four years of new change and legislation, and new hope for a country in need.