PIC Announces Musical Artists Selected to Perform at the 57th Presidential Inauguration WASHINGTON, DC -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the musical artists selected to perform at the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor will all perform at the inauguration, which will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013.
“Vice President Biden and I are honored to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony,” President Obama said today. “Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country.”
Beyoncé will sing the National Anthem, Kelly Clarkson will perform “My Country Tis of Thee,” and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful.”
President Obama was involved in the selection of participants in the Inaugural program, including the musical performers. Other ceremonial participants include Myrlie Evers-Williams, who will give the invocation; Richard Blanco, who will serve as the Inaugural poet; and Reverend Louie Giglio, who will deliver the Benediction.
Participant Biographies:
Beyoncé has become one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture. She emerged as a founding member and lead singer and songwriter of Destiny's Child and later developed into an iconic solo artist, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman. She has released four #1 solo albums and has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards. Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade. The Recording Industry Association of America also recognized Beyoncé as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.
James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal form. In a career spanning four decades, with close to 100 million albums sold and five Grammy Awards, his immediately recognizable warm baritone, introspective lyrics and unique guitar playing still blaze a path to which musicians throughout the world aspire. In 2011 James was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama at The White House and in 2012 he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. Both medals are their nation’s highest honors for artistic excellence recognizing outstanding achievements and support of the arts.
Kelly Clarkson has released five studio albums and one greatest hits album, sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and has had 10 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. A global superstar, Clarkson has won two Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, two ACM Awards, a CMA Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Her most recent studio album, Stronger, is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and was recently nominated for four 2013 Grammy Awards.
