Other performers also involved in some sort of inaugural activity? Fun., Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Brad Paisley, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon, Chris Cornell, Jaime Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and the cast of “Glee.”
It’s rumored that Lady Gaga will perform at Tuesday’s private inaugural ball for White House staff, so there’s that.
So who among Obama’s celeb supporters didn’t perform (according the super-deep Wikipedia k-whole I traveled down to figure this out)? Here are the highlights: Mariah Carey, Cher, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Gloria Estefan, Josh Groban, Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Chris Martin (and presumably Cold Play), Ricky Martin, Dave Matthews, Bette Midler, Nicki Minaj, P!nk, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand and Justin Timberlake.
Sounds amazing right? And I actually have no doubt that many of these people, including MJB at last year’s DNC, have previously performed in support of Obama.
But imagine for a moment that Mitt Romney could have won the White House. Impossible, I know, but what kind of decisions would he have had to make about his inauguration?
Here’s the list of musicians listed as Romney supporters from Wikipedia: Trace Adkins, Pat Boone, Zac Brown, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans, Taylor Hicks, Vanilla Ice, Meat Loaf, Jo Dee Messina, Wayne Newton, Teg Nugent, Donny/Marie Osmond, Kid Rock, Scott Stapp, Hank Williams, Jr., Gretchen Wilson, 3 Doors Down, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Oak Ridge Boys.
That’s just who I recognized.
The world will literally (and thankfully), NEVER, EVER KNOW about who would have come out of the woodwork to sing for Romney’s inauguration festivities. I imagine the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would show up somewhere, but I actually don’t know enough about the listed artists-for-Romney to suggest who could fill the other spots.
So yeah, Barack Obama is awesome for gay rights and freedom and stuff, and that’s why I support him. And because he could put on a hell of a show.
Top photo: President Barack Obama begins second term (Official White House photo via Flickr) Second photo: Beyoncé performs the national anthem at President Barack Obama’s second presidential inauguration public ceremony. (via wh.gov)