Pop superstar Beyonce will sing the national anthem at President Obama’s inauguration celebration on Jan. 21, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Wednesday.
The performer, who hosted a $4 million fundraiser with rapper husband Jay-Z for Mr. Obama in September, will sing on the West Front of the Capitol. She will be joined by former “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who will sing “America” (“My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”) and James Taylor, who will sing “America the Beautiful.”
“Vice President Biden and I are honored to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony,” Mr. Obama said in a statement. “Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country.”
The committee said Mr. Obama was personally involved in the selection of the musical performers and also in the choice of Richard Blanco, who will serve as the inaugural poet.
