Lady Gaga steals the show with rousing rendition of the national anthem at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem at the inauguration of president Joe Biden. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Lady Gaga sung the national anthem at the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Washington DC.
Her inauguration outfit wowed onlookers, the star walking out to the podium wearing a red skirt and black top decorated with a striking bird brooch.
The singer, a vocal supporter of Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris throughout their presidential campaign, took to the podium on the West Front of the United States Capitol on Wednesday (20 January) shortly after 11.30am ET to sing “The Star Spangled Banner”.
As the gathered crowds watched on, all wearing masks, Lady Gaga performed “The Star Spangled Banner”, delivering a powerful and emotive rendition of the National Anthem with her gold microphone.
Lady Gaga sings national anthem at Joe Biden inauguration.
Some of the defining figures of modern American politics watched on, hands on hearts.
Lady Gaga’s incredible performance was immediately followed by Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first female vice-president – and first African-American vice-president – in United States history. Biden was then sworn in as the 46th US president.
The history-making moment was a significant one for Gaga, who was announced as Biden’s pick to sing the national anthem last Thursday (14 January).
Listen to Lady Gaga perform the National Anthem at Joe Biden’s inauguration pic.twitter.com/JM9zdvMW4i
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She tweeted moments before: “Singing our national anthem for the American people is my honour. I will sing during a ceremony, a transition, a moment of change — between POTUS 45 and 46. For me, this has great meaning.
“My intention is to acknowledge our past, be healing for our present, and passionate for a future where we work together lovingly. I will sing to the hearts of all people who live on this land. Respectfully and kindly, Lady Gaga.
This is not the first time Gaga has performed “The Star Spangled Banner” – she previously sang the national anthem in 2016 at the Super Bowl, with her performance winning plaudits.
Gaga won the coveted role of singing the national anthem at Biden’s inauguration after fighting tirelessly to help secure his election win throughout his campaign.
On Tuesday (19 January), Gaga shared a photo of herself wearing all-white in a billowing cape and face mask in the US Capitol in Washington DC along with a powerful message of hope for the future.
“I pray tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans,” Gaga wrote. “A day for love, not hatred. A day for acceptance, not fear.
“A day for dreaming of our future joy as a country. A dream that is non-violent, a dream that provides safety for our souls.”
Donald Trump left the White House for the last time on Wednesday morning (20 January), flying to Florida where he will reside for the foreseeable.
He refused to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration, making him the first sitting president to not attend the incoming president’s official ceremony in 152 years.
