Iconic presidential inauguration performances through the years: Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Aretha Franklin and more
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Discover some of the most memorable performances from past presidential inaugurations and inaugural events. From powerful renditions of the national anthem to energetic stage shows, these acts have left a lasting impact on the ceremonies.


Marian Anderson performs at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's second inauguration in 1957.
Marian Anderson performs at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inauguration in 1957. Universal History Archive/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images


Robert Frost reads one of his poems during the inaugural ceremonies for President John F. Kennedy at the Capitol in January 1961.
Robert Frost reads one of his poems during the inaugural ceremonies for President John F. Kennedy at the Capitol in January 1961. Bettmann Archive

President Richard Nixon shakes hands with musician James Brown in the White House's Oval Office.
President Richard Nixon shakes hands with musician James Brown in the White House’s Oval Office. Brown performed at Nixon’s inaugural ball in 1969. Getty Images


Linda Ronstadt attends the rehearsals for President Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball in January 1977.
Linda Ronstadt attends the rehearsals for President Jimmy Carter’s inaugural ball in January 1977. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images


President Bill Clinton and celebrities, including Michael Jackson, at his inauguration ball in January 1993.
President Bill Clinton and celebrities, including Michael Jackson, at his inauguration ball in January 1993. Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

American poet Maya Angelou reciting her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in January 1993.
American poet Maya Angelou reciting her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in January 1993. Getty Images


Ricky Martin performs as President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush look on during the opening ceremony of the inauguration in January 2001.
Ricky Martin performs as President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush look on during the opening ceremony of the inauguration in January 2001. Getty Images


Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey perform at the Celebrating America's Youth concert as part of President George W. Bush's inauguration celebration in January 2001.
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey perform at the Celebrating America’s Youth concert as part of President George W. Bush’s inauguration celebration in January 2001. Corbis via Getty Images

Destiny's Child performs at the Celebrating America's Youth concert for the inauguration of George W. Bush in January 2001.
Destiny’s Child performs at the Celebrating America’s Youth concert for the inauguration of George W. Bush in January 2001. Corbis via Getty Images


Gloria Estefan performs during the "Saluting Those Who Serve" event in January 2005 as part of President George W. Bush's second inauguration.
Gloria Estefan performs during the “Saluting Those Who Serve” event in January 2005 as part of President George W. Bush’s second inauguration. Getty Images


Joanna “JoJo” Levesque performs during the inaugural youth concert, hosted by Barbara and Jenna Bush, in January 2005.
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque performs during the inaugural youth concert, hosted by Barbara and Jenna Bush, in January 2005. Getty Images

Hilary Duff performs at the "America's Future Rocks Today" inaugural event in January 2005 kicking off inauguration week for President George W. Bush.
Hilary Duff performs at the “America’s Future Rocks Today” inaugural event in January 2005 kicking off inauguration week for President George W. Bush. Getty Images


Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Shakira perform at the We Are One concert during Barack Obama's inauguration celebrations in January 2009.
Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Shakira perform at the We Are One concert during Barack Obama’s inauguration celebrations in January 2009. AFP via Getty Images


Bruce Springsteen performs during the We are One concert for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
Bruce Springsteen performs during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. AFP via Getty Images

Mary J. Blige performs during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
Mary J. Blige performs during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. AFP via Getty Images


Jennifer Nettles, John Legend, and James Taylor perform during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
Jennifer Nettles, John Legend, and James Taylor perform during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. AFP via Getty Images


Bruce Springsteen performs during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
Bruce Springsteen performs during the We Are One concert for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. AFP via Getty Images

Sheryl Crow and will.i.am perform at an inaugural celebration for President Barack Obama in January 2009.
Sheryl Crow and will.i.am perform at an inaugural celebration for President Barack Obama in January 2009. WireImage


Beyoncé performs at President Barack Obama's Inauguration in January 2009.
Beyoncé performs at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration in January 2009. WireImage


Jon Bon Jovi performs on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in January 2009 as part of President Barack Obama's inaugural celebrations.
Jon Bon Jovi performs on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in January 2009 as part of President Barack Obama’s inaugural celebrations. Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Aretha Franklin performs at President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony in January 2009.
Aretha Franklin performs at President Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony in January 2009. Getty Images


Katy Perry sings during a children's concert to celebrate military families in January 2013 for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Katy Perry sings during a children’s concert to celebrate military families in January 2013 for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. Getty Images


Kelly Clarkson performs after President Barack Obama took the oath of office during his second inauguration in January 2013.
Kelly Clarkson performs after President Barack Obama took the oath of office during his second inauguration in January 2013. AFP via Getty Images

Beyoncé performs the national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2013.
Beyoncé performs the national anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2013. Getty Images


President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together during the inaugural ball as singer Jennifer Hudson performs in January 2013.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together during the inaugural ball as singer Jennifer Hudson performs in January 2013. WireImage


Alicia Keys sings before the arrival of President Barack Obama to the inaugural ball in January 2013.
Alicia Keys sings before the arrival of President Barack Obama to the inaugural ball in January 2013. Getty Images

3 Doors Down performs for President Donald Trump and his family during an inaugural celebration in January 2017.
3 Doors Down performs for President Donald Trump and his family during an inaugural celebration in January 2017. AFP via Getty Images


Toby Keith performs for President Donald Trump and his family during an inaugural celebration in January 2017.
Toby Keith performs for President Donald Trump and his family during an inaugural celebration in January 2017. AFP via Getty Images


Katy Perry performs during the "Celebrating America" primetime special celebrating the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021.
Katy Perry performs during the “Celebrating America” primetime special celebrating the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021. Biden Inaugural Committee via Getty Images

Lady Gaga performs during President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
Lady Gaga performs during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. Getty Images


Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman recites a poem during Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman recites a poem during Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. Getty Images


Garth Brooks performs at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021.
Garth Brooks performs at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in January 2021. Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez sings "This Land Is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" during President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
Jennifer Lopez sings “This Land Is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful” during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. Getty Images
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