Bruce Springsteen kicked off Joe Biden’s opening concert as the first performer in Tom Hanks’ “Celebrating America” special.
Accompanied only by a guitar on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial – with the National Mall and Washington Monument waving in front of him – Springsteen, 71, offered a “little prayer” around the country before serenading his 1999 song “Land of Hope” and dreams. “
Hanks – who along with his wife, Rita Wilson, battled the coronavirus last year – spoke about witnessing “deep division” and “grudge” across the country in recent years.
“Tonight we reflect on the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of the constitution,” as well as the “dreams we share,” said Hanks, 64.
After Springsteen and Hanks, New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi, 58, and his band played the Beatles’ hopeful melody, “Here Comes the Sun” from Miami.
After a herald of the trumpets of the United States Army, President Joe Biden offered his own greeting from the base of the Lincoln statue.
“We learned again that democracy is precious and, because of it, democracy prevailed,” he said. He went on to list the problems facing the nation – the coronavirus pandemic, economic crises, racial injustice and more – and called for “unity” to overcome obstacles.
“The question is, are we prepared for this? Will we find the moment as our ancestors did? “he said.” I believe we should and I believe we will. “
Biden’s speech was followed by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, who joined for a pre-recorded duet of the touching melody “Better Days”, with Kirk Franklin and Black Pumas who played “Colors” from Austin, Texas.
Dave Grohl, 52, of Foo Fighters paid tribute to “unshakable teachers” like his own mother, Virginia, who “face unprecedented challenges” but still manage to “enlighten our children” before doing a slow “Times Like This”.
Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Vanessa Williams, Anthony Rapp, Wayne Brady and others also joined in for an exciting mashup of “Seasons of Love” (from “Rent”) and “Let the Sun Shine”.
Later, from Los Angeles, the 28-year-old singer Demi Lovato – sporting her new short pixie pink cut – presented an energetic vision of “Lovely Day” with the help of celebrities and ordinary Americans who shone as their background vocalists.
And towards the end, pop star Katy Perry – elegantly draped in white – blew up her 2010 hit “Firework” while fireworks illuminated the Washington Monument.