From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, Who Else Sang the National Anthem at Presidential Inaugurations?

FILE PHOTO: Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

Asharq Al Awsat

11:23-20 January 2025 AD ـ 21 Rajab 1446 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

11:23-20 January 2025 AD ـ 21 Rajab 1446 AH

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, Who Else Sang the National Anthem at Presidential Inaugurations?

President-elect Donald Trump selected opera tenor Christopher Macchio to perform the national anthem at Monday's inauguration, at which Carrie Underwood will also perform “America the Beautiful,” The Associated Press reported. Here’s a list of some singers at previous presidential inaugurations:
John F Kennedy, 1961: Contralto Marian Anderson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965: The United States Marine Band performed the national anthem.
Richard Nixon, 1969: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir accompanied by the United States Marine Band performed the national anthem.
Richard Nixon, 1973: Jazz great Ethel Ennis sang the national anthem.
Jimmy Carter, 1977: Cantor Isaac Goodfriend, a Holocaust survivor, accompanied by the US Marine Band sang the national anthem.
Ronald Reagan, 1981: Amateur singer Juanita Booker sang the national anthem.
Ronald Reagan, 1985: The United States Marine Band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Opera singer Jessye Norman also performed.
George Bush, 1989: Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the US Army Band sang the national anthem.
Bill Clinton, 1993: Opera singer Marilyn Horne sang the national anthem.
Bill Clinton, 1997: Santita Jackson, the daughter of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the Resurrection Choir sang the national anthem. Jessye Norman also performed.
George W. Bush, 2001: Army Staff Sgt. Alec T. Maly sang the national anthem.
George W. Bush, 2005: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradley Bennett sang the national anthem. Singers Susan Graham and Denyce Graves also performed.
Barack Obama, 2009: The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters sang the national anthem. Aretha Franklin also performed.
Barack Obama, 2013: Beyoncé performed the national anthem and later said she had lip-synced to a taped track. James Taylor also sang.
Donald Trump, 2017: Jackie Evancho sang the national anthem.
Joe Biden, 2021: Lady Gaga sang the national anthem. Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks also performed.

Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

17:43-19 January 2025 AD ـ 20 Rajab 1446 AH

Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

The Saudi Film Commission launched an initiative aimed at empowering art cinema, emphasizing its significant role in promoting culture and developing creators’ skills. The initiative includes a series of local and international workshops and cinematic events designed to foster creative expression and convey profound cultural messages, extending beyond the scope of traditional commercial films.

Domestically, 27 trainees benefited from ten diverse workshops organized by the Film Commission, in collaboration with 11 entities in Jeddah. Additionally, the commission conducted workshops in Berlin, where 11 trainees engaged with various cinema organizations, gaining insights into the latest cinematic trends. The workshops are part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of art cinema by creating a platform to support local talents and foster collaboration among filmmakers.

As part of this initiative, Korean Film Week debuted in Riyadh, running from January 19 to 23 at Cinehouse. Supported by the Film Commission, the event offers a unique cinematic experience, showcasing the richness of Korean culture and boosting cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

Audiences can enjoy screenings of acclaimed Korean films such as “Cobweb” and “Parasite”. Additionally, engaging dialogue sessions will focus on topics such as "The Global Appeal of Korean Cinema" and the impact of Korean culture on cinema. Seminars featuring film directors and international experts will further promote understanding, interaction, and cultural communication.

These initiatives reflect the Film Commission's commitment to broadening the scope of Saudi cinema and creating new opportunities for creators and filmmakers to showcase their work. By doing so, the commission aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for cinematic excellence and cultural collaboration.

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, Who Else Sang the National Anthem at Presidential Inaugurations?

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, Who Else Sang the National Anthem at Presidential Inaugurations?

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Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

Korean Film Week Kicks Off in Riyadh as Film Commission Launches Art Cinema Initiative

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