warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Artists Perform At The Inaugural Children's Concert

Jennifer Joh |
January 20, 2013 | 2:32 a.m. PST

Staff Reporter

The Obama family (Pinterest)
The Obama family (Pinterest)
It's an especially exciting weekend to be in Washington. The Kids' Inaugural Concert, held in a ballroom at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday night, kicked off the series of events leading up to the inauguration. To honor America's many military families, the concert featured big stars like Usher and Katy Perry, noted favorites of the show. 

Hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, the concert was streamed live online and to several military bases around the country. This concert promoted Joining Forces, Michelle Obama's new initiative supporting military members and their families. She paid special tribute to the kids of military families, acknowledging their sacrifices and hardships. Luckily, these kids got to enjoy the night alongside Sasha and Malia Obama, who were responsible for the lineup this year. 

The choice of talent consisted of America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon, who emceed the show, and household names like Usher, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, members of the Glee cast, Brad Paisley, Alicia Keys, Marc Anthony, Smokey Robinson, Far East Movement, Mindless Behavior and Fun, in contrast to the concert four years ago, with artists like the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.

Usher sported black leather during his performances of his hit songs, "Yeah!," "Without You" and "OMG." He was a definite crowd-pleaser, clad in an edgy black motorcycle jacket that allowed him to move freely across the stage, a classic black shirt, low-crotch black leather pants, and vibrant red sneakers to complete the outfit. 

Darren Criss from "Glee" rocked darker tones of patriotic colors with a navy blazer over a crisp white button-down and maroon jeans. His shiny black dress shoes finished off the casually dressy look. 

Katy Perry, introduced by the First Lady herself, emerged in a patriotic vintage swimsuit, Wonder Woman-style, with a blue vest with red-and-white striped collars. The suit was covered with strategically-patterned stars and stripes. A thin red bow was tied around her neck. She sang her hit singles "Teenage Dream," "Part of Me" and "Wide Awake." Later on, she added a blue maxi skirt covered in white stars to finish her act with "Firework." A slideshow of President Obama played in the background of the final song.  

Michelle Obama didn't disappoint with her elegant yet accessible style. She sported new bangs and chose a simple white peplum top over black pants, with an embellished gold statement belt cinching her waist. Obama's kids Sasha and Malia both went for preppy and casual as well, while Jill Biden stepped out on stage in a yellow chartreuse dress. 

Concert-goers dressed comfortably in jeans and sweaters; a few grown-ups were in uniform and a number of kids sported bright colors and sequins. The children and their families all wore their best smiles as the concert ended, leading the way to more exciting inaugural events and parties happening this weekend. 

 

Reach Staff Reporter Jennifer Joh here. Follow her Twitter here. 



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.