Barack Obama was inaugurated for a second term on January 21, 2013, following his victory in the November election. The ceremony featured a lineup chosen to honor tradition while recognizing contemporary voices, with Beyoncé personally selected to participate as one of the performers. She joined fellow artists Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor to deliver a series of patriotic musical moments that underscored the ceremony’s gravity and festive spirit.
During the program, Beyoncé performed the national anthem with a poised and powerful delivery that resonated with millions watching at home and on the ground. James Taylor offered a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful, while Clarkson took on My Country, ’Tis of Thee, sung to the familiar tune of the British national anthem. The combination of voices provided a thread of continuity through the celebration, inviting the nation to reflect on the responsibilities and aspirations of the moment.
In addition to the music, the inauguration featured a notable poetic highlight. Richard Blanco, the Chilean American poet, served as the inaugural poet, becoming the first Latino and the youngest person to hold that role. Blanco’s words connected personal history with a broader sense of community, immigration, and shared responsibility, adding a reflective layer to the day’s proceedings.
Officially, the oath of office is prescribed by the Constitution to be administered on January 20, but the public events and festivities are traditionally held the following day. The January 21 schedule included the inaugural parade, a luncheon with members of Congress, and the series of inaugural balls that marked the transition into a new presidential term. The events drew viewers from coast to coast and around the world, highlighting the enduring rituals of American democracy and the ongoing dialogue between past and future.