Video: Barack Obama's Inauguration Speech at Lincoln Memorial Concert

© Janet Mayer/PR Photos

U.S. president elect Barack Obama told the tens of thousands people attending the pre-inaugural concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18 that there is still hope for all Americans for a better future. The star-studded gala that featured performances by a number of music legends was held to kick off the four days of celebrations and festivities surrounding Barack's presidential inauguration.

"I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure, that it will prevail - that the dream of our founders will live on in our time," the incoming American president said in a statement. "What gives me that hope is what I see when I look out across this mall. It is you - Americans of every race and region and station - who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there."

Barack Obama, the first African American to be elected President of the United States, attended the open-air concert alongside his wife Michelle Obama. Vice president elect Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden were also in attendance.

Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Bono were among the performers who took the stage during the event. In addition to them, there were also the likes of Shakira and Usher.