THE CELEBRATING AMERICA PARTY WITH KATY PERRY’S FIREWORK

After each inauguration, thousands of people line the streets of the city to witness the Inauguration Parade. There, the new president shows himself to the masses, shakes hands, takes photos, and much more. This was of course not possible this year due to Corona and the tough security measures in Washington. Therefore, the Biden Inauguration Committee came up with something special. A Virtual Inauguration Day Parade Across the Country and an impressive Celebrating America Party.

BIDEN ARRIVES AT WHITE HOUSE

While Donald Trump tried in vain to win colorful personalities from the music and film industry for himself, Joe Biden had them in the queue. The Virtual Parade Across the USA and the Celebrating America Party became a big get-together of U.S. superstars.

THE VIRTUAL INAUGURATION DAY PARADE

Furthermore, children and young people also had their say. Young people from Louisiana, for example, and cheerleaders from Texas greeted their new presidents. Besides, from Indiana, the traditional Culver Academies’ Black Horse Troop saluted on horsebacks. Also, soldiers and their children sent greetings from a U.S. Airbase in Italy.

ANDRA DAY PERFORMS “RISE UP”

The organizers built a special bridge between California and Washington D.C. While Grammy nominee Andra Day presented her song “Rise Up” from the Black Lives Matter Mural in Hollywood, the 10-year-old skater Kaitlyn Saunders danced cheerfully on her rollerskates across the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington.

THE NEW RADICALS

Later, the New Radicals also musically supported Joe Biden’s entry into office with their hit: “You Get What You Give.”

CELEBRATING AMERICA hosted by Tom Hanks

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

In the evening, the Celebrating America event started, presented by none other than Oscar-winner Tom Hanks.

The musical kick-off was in front of the Lincoln Memorial, where Bruce Springsteen performed his song “Lands of Hope and Dreams.” The rock giant from New Jersey is a supporter of Joe Biden for a long time. Some weeks ago, he had the honor to announce Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as “People of the Year” of the Time Magazine.

TOM HANKS HOSTS THE CELEBRATING AMERICA PARTY

The host of the show, Tom Hanks, referred with moving words to the years of division. But, at the same time, he also showed lots of hope for a better future.

As if the sky wants to welcome the new president and vice-president and wants to set a sign for a bright new beginning and future glorious times, the sparkling sunshine outshone the complete Inauguration Day. Matching, rock legend Jon Bon Jovi performed the Beatles classic “Here Comes the Sun” from Miami.

Then, from Florida, Trump’s new domicile, the show broadcast switched to Iwakuni, Japan. From there, more precisely from the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, airmen sent their greetings and wishes to their commander in chief.

In Boston, Massachusetts, Yo-Yo Ma played a wonderfully touching version of Amazing Grace on the cello. Especially this song has given hope and strength to many Americans since times of the Civil War.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND ANT CLEMONS

Another highlight was presented from Memphis, Tennessee. Here, Ant Clemons & Justin Timberlake performed their song “Better Days” from the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

This house is a replica of the former Stax recording studio. Down to the sloping floor of Studio A, where Timberlake and Clemons performed their song. As the façade suggests, the house also was the former Capitol Theatre.

Like in good old times, the bright neon sign showed the main title of the evening: Biden Harris.

EVA LONGORIA AND THE BLACK PUMAS

Eva Longoria said in Los Angeles: “Tonight we honor our nation. We honor the American people’s ability and desire to come together during difficult times to emerge even stronger than before. We wanted to showcase the diversity and talent of our creative community. So, to celebrate the colors and that diversity and the beauty in our lives.”

Hereafter, she announced the Black Pumas, who performed their song “Colors” from Austin, Texas.

THE FOO FIGHTERS ARE CELEBRATING AMERICA AND HONORING ALL TEACHERS

Not only Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were honored. People who do something for their country were also thought of.

This included the many teachers who have to show the new generation a new way. Mackenzie Adams from Seattle, Washington, spoke on their behalf. After her appearance, her Instagram lessons went viral instantly. The young and beautiful teacher then announced the city’s superstars, the Foo Fighters.

Singer Dave Grohl said that Mackenzie reminded him of another outstanding teacher who has a special place in his heart. His mother Virginia, who was a public school teacher for 35 years.

He also recalled that first lady, Jill Biden, was and is not only still an active teacher, but a mentor to many students. “She was also a mentor to her students remembered long after their graduation.

This year, our teachers were faced with unprecedented challenges, but through dedication and creativity, they faced those challenges head-on. So, this next song is for Mackenzie and all of our unshakeable teachers that continue to enlighten our nation’s kids every day.” This is how the Foo Fighters played their song: “Times Like These.”

THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

Joe Biden also spoke to all Americans again. As he did the previous months, he found very forgiving words and asked for the unity of the country.

From Los Angeles, Kerry Washington stated: “Groundbreaking women have fought for their dreams and carved the path and now Kamala Harris is the first black and South-Asian woman vice president of these United States.

She is the first, but she will not be the last. The future for girls everywhere is limitless.”

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA & FOOTBALL WOMEN ARE CELEBRATING AMERICA

Composer and singer Lin-Manuel Miranda stated his support, and greetings also came from space:

When a woman takes on the second most powerful office in the country for the first time in history, there should, of course, be other strong women. Players from the national football team also greeted the new presidents.

KAMALA HARRIS IS CELEBRATING AMERICA AND GIVES HER FIRST SPEECH AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Now dressed in an evening outfit, Vice President Kamala Harris gave another speech.

Then John Legend performed: Feeling Good …

… and DJ Cassidy had a party with friends like Luis Fonsi (Despacito).

CORONA HEROES ARE CELEBRATING AMERICA 

Sandra Lindsay, ICU Nurse at Northwell Health in New York and the first American to officially get the Covid-19 vaccine, got in touch from New York. She motivated people to believe in the vaccination and to be patient.

From Nashville, Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard got in touch. Tyler thanked all healthcare and front-line workers. He stated that he was quarantined with Covid-19 himself. At this time, he was inspired by his belief in God and belief in reuniting the country. So, he wrote the song “Undivided”, which the band performed.

THE FORMER PRESIDENTS 

Another highlight of the show was arguably the impressive speech by Barack Obama, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, which was recorded shortly before. It showed once again that there is more that connects all Americans than divides them.

Tom Hanks said:

When our former presidents unite like that much of the rest of the world must marvel at what America is and what Americans can do.

After this historic moment, Demi Lovato performed “Lovely Day” in Los Angeles. The song was meant to honor the many health workers from across the United States.

Instead of just presenting them with a song, the medical professionals took part in the performance. Joe Biden and his family, who have just moved into the White House and the Oval Office, danced there to the atmospheric rhythms of the song.

THE HIGHLIGHT – KATY PERRY PERFORMS FIREWORKS

As grand as the event was up to then, it was to experience another highlight. Because at the end the wonderful Katy Perry performed and presented her song “Firework” to match the occasion.

Like Jlo during her performance in the afternoon, style-icon Katy also appeared in an all-over white outfit. With the three-piece gown, the New York designer Thom Browne had reminiscent of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn.

In her film “Funny Face,” the unforgettable actress and activist wore a similar ensemble. Back then, it was created by Givenchy.

Perry’s outfit consisted of a cashmere top with a silk-satin corset and a floor-length robe. Like Jennifer Lopez before, she set another strong example. Because white stands for the suffragette movement of the last century and is the color of purity. In addition, the red buttons were reminiscent of the stripes of the US flag.

Even if this time it was not possible to experience the event live as a spectator, the fireworks – carried by Katy Perry’s voice – not only outshone the capital of the United States. Conveying hope and confidence, they radiated out into the whole world.

Tom Hanks summed up:

“Fireworks in the sky over our nation’s capital January 20th, 2021. This has been a uniquely historic inauguration day.”

The sun has given way to the moon over Washington. It was a day and night full of feelings and hopes for a better future and true unity of the country and the entire world.

But neither Joe Biden nor Kamala Harris nor other government leaders can handle this on their own. The goal must be to unite the world together and make it a better, shimmering place for everyone.

Text: Marco Kokkot