Beyoncé drew a loud cheer at Barack Obama's inauguration on Monday even before her impressive rendition of the national anthem, while Jennifer Hudson also impressed with her version of Al Green's Let's Stay Together.
They were joined by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, who modified her hit Girl on Fire to sing "He's the president and he's on fire … Obama's on fire. Obama's on fire."
The applause for Beyoncé started when she took her place with Jay-Z at the Capitol to watch Obama take the oath for his second term in office.
James Taylor kicked off the musical performances, singing America the Beautiful to his own guitar accompaniment. Kelly Clarkson followed with a different arrangement of My Country 'Tis of Thee.
Beyoncé may have been the star musical attraction, but she had plenty of company from Hollywood. Katy Perry and John Mayer sat side-by-side, with Perry in an orange-striped coat and wide hat, and Mayer in dark glasses. The singer-songwriter Ke$ha was also there.
People flocked to the colourful star, snapping photos. And Perry did the same, taking shots of the Girls actress Allison Williams. Perry sang at the children's concert the night before.
Eva Longoria was seated on the platform outside the Capitol after making an appearance at a Kennedy Center performance on Sunday night. * AP
