President-elect Joe Biden’s inaugural gala will feature some big names in the entertainment industry.
Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Foo Fighters will perform during the prime-time special that will “showcase the American people’s resilience, heroism and unified commitment to coming together as a nation to heal and rebuild.”
The 90-minute program, hosted by Tom Hanks will also include performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi.
Besides the celebrities, the program, dubbed “Celebrating America,” will “spotlight American heroes,” according to a description of the event.
“We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this prime-time program,” Tony Allen, the CEO of Biden’s presidential inaugural committee, said in a statement.
Allen specified that the program would include “stories of young people making a difference in their communities.”
Actors Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will introduce those segments, as well as musical performances throughout the night.
The inaugural committee has also outlined its plans for Biden’s swearing-in ceremony, with Lady Gaga to sing the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez to provide a “musical performance” of her own.
Incoming presidents have often sought to lean on musical artists at their inauguration to help drive home a central message.
Biden’s team has chosen “America United” as the theme of the inauguration, and it’s possible that the artists his team chose will select songs that encapsulate that idea.
But all the star power will not change the reality that Biden’s inauguration will be taking place amid a pandemic and weeks after the Capitol was breached by a pro-Trump mob.
The resulting health and safety concerns have forced officials to reimagine and scale down inaugural events.
For instance, they have added a “virtual parade across America” and a public art installation on the National Mall.
In an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus, there has been no mention of indoor, in-person inaugural balls or galas.
The gala will air Wednesday night on broadcast channels ABC, CBS and NBC.
Cable news networks CNN and MSNBC will carry it live.
A spokesperson for right-wing Fox News says they will not carry the entire special but plan to air the live remarks Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will make during the event.