Former two-term senator and vice president Joe Biden made history on Wednesday (January 20) alongside his historic vice president, Senator Kamala Harris, when they opened on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. And while part of the usual pomp and circumstance – not to mention the typically huge crowds – has been reduced due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and security concerns in the era of the violent attack on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump in January 6, Lady Gaga was present to ensure that the event was an appropriate celebration.
The singer took center stage just before noon to sing the National Anthem in a striking, floor-length red skirt and a black long-sleeved blouse accented with a huge gold bird brooch and black leather gloves, accompanied by the President’s United States Marine Band. After greeting Biden and Harris, Gaga composed herself, picked up a golden microphone and sang a powerful interpretation of the notoriously difficult “Star-Spangled Banner” with her typical theatrical panache, ending with her hand over her heart and waving at Biden, Harris and the ex-president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama return to hear the seat.
The exciting performance came a day after Gaga sent her Little Monsters a message of hope to inaugurate the new administration. “I pray that tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans,” tweeted Gaga. “A day of love, not of hate. A day of acceptance, not of fear. A day of dreaming of our future joy as a country. A non-violent dream, a dream that gives security to our souls. Love, from the Capitol. “