Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor and Beyonce will be among performers singing for President Obama at his second term inauguration on January 21.
Clarkson will perform “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was famously sung by soul great Aretha Franklin and her oversized hat in 2009. No word as to whether Clarkson will don a hat for her rendition. Carolina native James Taylor has been tapped to sing “America the Beautiful.”
The honor of the national anthem will go to Beyonce, who has a long history both supporting and performing for the Obamas. At the 2009 Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, Beyonce’s sang “At Last,” during the Obamas’ first dance.
Beyonce’s husband, Jay-Z, has also developed a close relationship with the President. The mogul even campaigned for Obama during this past election season. “Jay knows what my life is like,” said Obama at a fundraiser hosted by Jay-Z’s 40/40 club, “we both have daughters and our wives are more popular than we are.”
Michelle and Beyoncé have formed a partnership of their own over the last presidential term. Beyonce has aided the First Lady’s”Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity throughout the last term, even remixing her song “Get Me Bodied” for the cause.
Indeed, it will be a very busy Spring for Beyonce. After she performs at the inauguration, the diva will head straight into rehearsals for her Superbowl performance on February 3.
Just a few days after the Superbowl, her HBO documentary is set to debut February 16 on HBO. The documentary will show Beyonce in public and intimate moments, and will profile the star from her childhood in Houston, TX through her recording career, marriage to mogul Jay-Z and most recently–the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
“Everybody knows Beyonce’s music, but few know Beyonce the person,” says Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming. Lombardo continues, “Along with electrifying footage of Beyonce onstage, this unique special looks beyond the glamour to reveal a vibrant, vulnerable, unforgettable woman.”
Beyonce is also set to release new material at some point in 2013.
