The stars and stripes: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Eva Longoria and Katy Perry among the celebrity guests at Obama's inauguration
- Beyonce performs The Star Spangled Banner
- Hollywood turned out in force, with Katy Perry, John Mayer and Eva Longoria taking coveted seats at the inauguration
By LIZZIE SMITH
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It's not exactly the Red Carpet ceremony, but the President's second-term inauguration had an unmistakable Hollywood feel.
Beyonce and Jay-Z led the way as the stars turned out in force to support President Barack Obama at his inauguration on Monday.
A loud cheer welcomed the 31-year-old singer and her rapper husband as they made a grand entrance at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
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Passionate performance: President Barack Obama puts his hand on his heart as he watches singer Beyonce Knowles belt out THe Star Spangled Banner following his second inauguration in Washington on Monday
Power couple: Jay-Z and Beyonce arrive at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC
Quite an entrance: The popular rapper and singer received a cheer from the crowd as they walked in
Congratulations Sir! Beyonce shares her joy as she holds hands with Obama
The pair both wore grey and had matching fur coats for the occasion and stopped to chat with Rev. Al Sharpton.
After watching Obama's second inauguration, Beyonce stepped onto the podium herself to belt out The Star Spangled Banner.
With huge emeralds glinting on her ears, and her finger, the beauty looked moved as she gave a passionate performance.
She had earlier shared snaps of her rehearsals on Instagram.
VIDEO Beyonce sings the national anthem at the inauguration
Belting it out! The singer performed the U.S. national anthem The Star Spangled Banner
Perfect choice: Beyonce looked emotional as she took to the podium, but showed no sign of nerves; she wore Lorraine Schwartz 80 carat emerald earrings and a 50 carat emerald ring
Power women: Michelle Obama hugs Beyonce as they share a special moment
OPne for the album: Showing that even superstars aren't immune to being starstruck, Beyonce and Jay Z ask a fellow guest to take a photo for them
Musicians Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor were present, both preparing to perform at the inaugural ceremony.
'I think it's going to be the coolest thing ever to look back with my grandkids and go: "I was a part of that and I'm proud of that. I'm not ashamed of that,"' Clarkson said in a recent interview.
Kelly once said she was a fan of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, but she says she voted for Obama twice.
Historic day: Kelly Clarkson arrives with Brandon Blackstock for the ceremonial swearing-in
Big moment: Clarkson performed My Country 'Tis of Thee after Obama took the oath of office
On the podium: Kelly performed My Country 'Tis Of Thee at Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's swearing in ceremony after Obama took the oath of office
Congrats! Kelly and Obama share a tender moment in front of the nation
Stirring: Former American Idol winner Kelly has her big moment in front of America
VIDEO Kelly Clarkson performs My Country 'Tis of Thee
Kelly performed My Country 'Tis Of Thee at Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's swearing in ceremony after Obama took the oath of office.
UK viewers may have found the song familiar - it is set to the British national anthem God Save The Queen.
'We came up with a really cool arrangement for it and I really love the lyrics,' Kelly said.
A-list event: John Mayer and Katy Perry were also in the crowd
Touching moment: Katy rests her hand on John's head as the pair await the big moment
In their Monday best! Katy has been a long-term passionate supporter of the President
Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Mana, Usher and Brad Paisley will later take to the stage at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball.
Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Anthony will also perform.
Actress Eva Longoria was seated on the platform outside the Capitol, sharing a picture of her insiders view on Twitter.
VIDEO Celebrities arrive in force at Obama's inauguration
Go girl! First Lady Obama greets Beyonce
The kiss that says You Did It! US President Barack Obama embraces First Lady Michelle Obama as they arrive
His biggest supporters: First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Sasha and Malia
Politicis meets Hollywood: Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton, Beyonce and Jay-Z pose for a photo
Also seated in the crowd were long-term Obama supporter, the singer Katy Perry, wearing an orange coat, and her boyfriend John Mayer.
And former Boston Celtics great Bill Russell was in the crowd, too.
Celebrities have been a big part of Obama's strategy to attract voters. Bruce Springsteen is a regular supporter, as is Perry, Lena Dunham, Scarlett Johansson, Jay-Z and dozens of others.
While not all of Obama's star supporters could be present at the inauguratiuon, there were plenty of stirring tributes posted on Twitter.
Alicia Keys wrote: 'What a powerful day!! May we all take these powerful strides and continue moving forward!! Blessings!! '
Supporter: Eva Longoria flashed a big smile as she arrived for the event
IEva tweeted: 'Touching the center of the city here in the Capitol for good luck!'
Beyonce's singer sister Solange showed her support, writing: 'I couldn't be more proud on this day.'
Maria Shriver, estranged wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger and a Kennedy by birth, tweeted: 'Wow, Beyonce!
'Her work brought her here, as did Kelly Clarkson's. Hard work pays off. Greatest country on earth.'
High note: John Legend took his girlfriend Chrissy Teigen
But while tickets for the inaguartion were much sought after, there was one person who wasn't that impressed.
Miss America Mallory Hagan said in an interview on Saturday that she wasn't sure if she would attend the public swearing-in ceremony even though she had a ticket because 'it's going to be freezing.'
But on Monday she tweeted a photo of herself from the inauguration wrapped in a blue scarf with the words 'bundled up!'
She later tweeted that she was 'proud to be an American.' Hagan, a 23-year-old Alabama native who lives in New York, won the Miss America title earlier this month.
Rehearsing: Beyonce posted this picture on her Instagram account ahead of President Barack Obama's inauguration
Serious business: The Obama supporter stayed focused ahead of her big performance
Singing her heart out: The 31-year-old will perform The Star Spangled Banner
Patriotic: The star in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln
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