The 'Kids Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future' event is opened by Usher and closed by Katy Perry with Nick Cannon as a host.
- Jan 20, 2013
AceShowbiz - The military families were celebrated in a star-studded concert hosted by U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and wife of Vice President Jill Biden. Katy Perry, Usher and "Glee" cast delivered high-energy family-friendly performances for the soldiers and their families. Sasha and Malia joined the celebration along with the Bidens' brood.
At the "Kids Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future" event, Mrs. Obama talked about the challenges faced by kids in the military families. "Did you know that a military kid attends an average of six to nine schools by the time he or she graduates from high school?" she said. "Just think about the level of maturity that is required for military kids during those times."
Being a child in the military family "means always thinking about things that are so much bigger than yourself," she additionally stated to the crowd at the Washington Convention Center Saturday night, January 19. "It means growing up so much faster...by supporting your families you all are helping us protect our country and keep all of us safe."
The celebratory event was hosted by Nick Cannon and was opened by Usher. Other performers included Far East Movement, Darren Criss, Naya Rivera, Amber Riley and Mindless Behavior. "Sasha and Malia, you look beautiful tonight, and we're looking for Mrs. Right," the teen boyband flirted with the Obama children.
The booze-free gig was also made merry by a series of hit singles played by DJ D-Nice. The disc jokey got the crowd going with Flo Rida's "Sometimes", Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe". Songs by Beyonce Knowles, The Wanted, Justin Bieber and Pitbull were also on the playlist.
Ryan Seacrest, Kerry Washington, David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres showed their support for the children in video messages along with a number of Disney stars. Jimmy Fallon introduced himself as Harry Styles from One Direction when it was his turn to make appearance.
Another highlight of the evening was a segment when Washington National mascots of former U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln racing against one another. "I thought they were going to run a little faster," Cannon joked. "Obama would have beaten all of you."
Katy rocked the stage in a patriotic spirit. Wearing a Star-Spangled Banner-themed outfit, she offered "Teenage Dream" "Part of Me" and "Wide Awake" to cater the crowd, a mix of uniformed grown-ups and their children. "I'm very proud to be part of this weekend...to see the Obamas and the Bidens for four more years," she enthused. She closed the night with "Firework".
