Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry and the President himself: a star-studded skewer gathered on the evening of Wednesday, January 20 in Washington to celebrate the inauguration of Joe Biden, an evening without an audience, broadcast on the major American chains and closed by a fireworks display.
The program was called "Celebrating America" and replaced the traditional balls and concerts that usually animate the federal capital at each inauguration, canceled this year due to the pandemic.
During these 90 very hushed minutes several singers followed one another on the air, some recorded elsewhere in the United States, but also a delivery driver, a teacher or an 8-year-old volunteer, Cavanaugh Bell.
Call for unity
Because the program was also intended as a "tribute to the men and women of this country who gave it strength and made it run in these difficult times", explained Oscar-winning comedian Tom Hanks, host of the show.
At the feet of the statue of Abraham Lincoln, in front of the monument dedicated to the former American president in Washington, sang Bruce Springsteen, John Legend or Katy Perry, and the new American president once again addressed the country.
“This train carries lost souls.
This train, dreams will not be thwarted ... This train, faith will be rewarded ... ”
In the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial: Bruce Springsteen - Land of Hope & Dreams pic.twitter.com/YOUeitzPZ9
- Vladimir Duthiers (@vladduthiersCBS) January 21, 2021
As he had done in his inauguration speech, the head of state called for "unity", asking the Americans to "come together".
Investiture of Joe Biden: a message, unity
01:32
In pre-recorded footage, the three former US presidents who attended Joe Biden's inauguration earlier paid tribute to American democracy.
"As Americans, there is more that unites us than what separates us," said Barack Obama, who was with George Bush and Bill Clinton.
"Mr. President, I wish you success," concluded George Bush.
"Your success will be that of our country."
WATCH: Former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama reflect on what Inauguration Day means to them.
pic.twitter.com/OtNDf7uF34
- NBC News (@NBCNews) January 21, 2021
The songs chosen all carried a positive, forward-looking message, such as "Feeling Good", made famous by Nina Simone and this time performed by John Legend.
The evening ended with Katy Perry's "Firework", which the artist sang as the Washington sky was lit with fireworks.
Thank you @KatyPerry for lighting up the night with your sparkling performance of "Firework."
🎇 # Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/QAarZwLApB
- Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 21, 2021
"Big nonsense"
If most of the big chains broadcast the show, Fox News, popular with conservatives, was the exception, and kept its programs occupied in this niche by its star presenters, who made fun of Joe Biden's message.
"Biden's solemn calls for unity are both laughable and utterly dishonest," said Sean Hannity, the country's most-watched presenter and staunch supporter of Donald Trump.
He accused Joe Biden of wanting to impose a far-left agenda and demonize Donald Trump's voters.
"It is bullshit."
With AFP
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