NewsBite

Updated

Katy Perry nails epic inauguration finale with hit track Firework

Katy Perry has rounded out the evening inauguration special with her classic 'Firework', featuring actual fireworks.

Nick BondNick Bond
@bondnickbond
less than 2 min read
January 21, 2021 - 8:38AM
Katy Perry nails epic inauguration finale with hit track Firework

The evening inauguration special has come to a close with a spectacular performance by Katy Perry, complete with an impressive fireworks display from the US Capitol.

Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato and Bruce Springsteen all performed in the celebratory television special hosted by Tom Hanks, but Perry's powerful performance was just the right note to end on. 

Elsewhere, a rendition of Amazing Grace by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma had social media abuzz.

As one viewer pointed out, Yo-Yo Ma performed beautifully at Obama 2009 inauguration, too.

And a reminder:

Elsewhere today, Lady Gaga wowed at President Joe Biden's inauguration, nailing her performance of the US National Anthem and donning  a striking outfit - braids, giant red skirt and most noticeably, an oversized gold dove brooch - that was very Hunger Games. 

Yaaaaas Gaga.
Yaaaaas Gaga.

Today's star-studded inauguration of Joe Biden is in stark contrast to Trump's own inauguration, which saw the then-incoming President struggle to attract big stars. 

The Washington Post reports that Trump is "particularly upset" that stars like his vocal critic Lady Gaga and Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks were booked to perform or attend at Biden's inauguration. 

Entertainers at Trump's 2016 inauguration included Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums and The Piano Guys. Actor Jon Voight spoke at the event.

Follow our liveblog of all the celebrity action at the inauguration as it unfolded below.

Updates

Eerie Simpsons inauguration prediction

Once again there are claims that The Simpsons predicted the future, after fans noticed a strange similarity between Joe Biden’s inauguration and an episode of the show that aired in 2000.

Shortly after President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at the inauguration day event people pointed out an eerie detail in the VP’s outfit and one worn by Lisa Simpson in the episode Bart to the Future.

In the episode, which aired more than two decades ago, Lisa becomes the first female US President, taking over from Donald Trump.

The outfit worn by Lisa in that episode is almost exactly the same as the one worn by Ms Harris.

Both women sported a purple pantsuit, with a matching purple top, accompanied by pearl earrings and necklace.

Fans were quick to point out the detail on Twitter, sharing pictures of the pair side-by-side.

It is not known whether Ms Harris purposefully wore the outfit as a nod to the long-running animated series or whether it really was another strange coincidence.

Read the full story here

Crowd goes nuts for Katy Perry

Does a White House fireworks display even exist without Katy Perry?

We've got to give it to her, Fireworks slaps just as hard in 2021 as it did in 2010.

There's something strange about Demi Lovato's performance...

The 28-year-old former Disney star is belting out a passionate version of Bill Withers' Lovely Day.

But those watching along at home are distracted by what's going on behind her.

Elsewhere, peep this wholesome screenshot of the Biden family grooving along in the White House.

Yo-Yo Ma delights viewers

One musical guest has viewers abuzz on social media.

Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bruce Springsteen have all performed in the television special, but it was a rendition of Amazing Grace by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma that had everyone talking.

As one viewer pointed out, Yo-Yo Ma performed beautifully at Obama 2009 inauguration, too.


And a reminder:

John Legend wows with Nina Simone cover

Legend has taken up a spot at his piano for a powerful rendition of Feeling Good.

Twitter is loving it sick:

Not-so-subtle Trump dig from Bon Jovi

A fitting song choice – Bon Jovi is performing The Beatles' Here Comes the Sun.

But not everyone is a fan of the pre-recorded rendition, taking to Twitter to savage the 58-year-old rocker:

Tom Hanks issues stirring message and looks freezing cold

Bruce Springsteen performed Land of Hope and Dreams to open the second performance special for today's inauguration, followed by a passionate opening address by host Tom Hanks.

“This day is about witnessing the permanence of our American ideal,” the star said of the event, before citing FDR, JFK, Ronald Reagan, and Abraham Lincoln.

Over on social media, viewers were quick to point out how cold the actor – who recovered from COVID-19 in April last year – looked during his speech as he stood sans-thick coat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

The 90-minute special is set to feature celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato and Jon Bon Jovi.

Carole Baskin 'relieved' Joe Exotic wasn't pardoned

Carole Baskin is breathing a sigh of relief after former President Trump failed to pardon her Tiger King rival Joe Exotic.

The big cat enthusiast spoke to Fox News on Wednesday, just hours after Trump issued 73 pardons and 70 sentence commutations with the exception of Exotic, much to his fury.

"I'm taking a deep breath because I feel such a sense of relief," Baskin told the publication.

"From the very time that he was sentenced I have worried about there being a presidential pardon that could undo all of the hard work that went into bringing this person to justice. When today at noon a new president was sworn in, I felt like I was finally safe from that threat."

Exotic is a year in to a 22 year-sentence for trying to hire a hit man to kill his zookeeper rival Baskin.

"He absolutely belongs behind bars," Baskin added.

Rapper thanks Trump for pardon

Rapper Kodak Black has thanked former President Trump for giving him a last-minute presidential pardon — springing him from prison early on a weapons conviction.

“I Want To Thank The President @RealDonaldTrump For His Commitment To Justice Reform And Shortening My Sentence,’’ tweeted the Roll in Peace rapper, who was sentenced to 46 months in 2019.

“I Also Want To Thank Everyone For Their Support And Love,’’ wrote Black, 23, whose real name is Bill Kahan Kapri.
“It Means More Than You Will Ever Know. I Want To Continue Giving Back, Learning And Growing.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoM3Xhletz

Black admitted in 2019 to lying on federal forms to buy four firearms from a Miami-area gun shop.

His legal team began lobbying Trump for a pardon last year, saying most people convicted of his crime only land 18 months bars.

Mr Trump pardoned 73 individuals in his last move in office, including rapper Lil Wayne, as well as his former adviser Steve Bannon, former Deputy National Finance Chair of the Republican National Committee Elliott Broidy and Anthony Levandowski, an ex-Google engineer.

While he didn't pardon Netflix star Joe Exotic, Mr Trump did pardon a man named Robert Bowker, who pleaded guilty almost 30 years ago to trafficking in wildlife, when he arranged for 22 snakes owned by Rudy “Cobra King” Komarek to be transported to the Miami Serpentarium.

Read related topics:Donald TrumpJoe BidenKamala HarrisMelania Trump
More related stories

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/inauguration-day-australian-time-how-to-watch-performers-trump-biden/live-coverage/83ba31834a47eb7c9fba8b0ce339fb5c