The Monster ringleader performs a series of songs including her duet with Bennett, 'The Lady Is a Tramp', at the private gathering for Mr. President's campaign staffers.
- Jan 24, 2013
AceShowbiz - Barack Obama's inaugural festivities were wrapped up Tuesday, January 22 with a private ball headlined by Lady GaGa. The Mother Monster performed for Mr. President's campaign staffers along with accomplished jazz singer Tony Bennett.
GaGa showed up on stage in her signature over-the-top costume, a wedding-like gown with layers of floor-length tulle and bubbly embellishments decorating her shoulders and hips. She finished off her bridal look with long golden wing with bangs.
She made a duet with Bennett, singing "The Lady Is a Tramp" at the Washington convention center. Sitting behind a white winged, customized piano, she also performed solo, delivering such singles as "The Edge of Glory", "You and I" and "Born This Way".
GaGa and Bennett were introduced by Obama and his wife who looked sleek in a gold and black pantsuit. When Mr. President introduced the two stars, the First Lady Michelle waved her hands and made a little dance. "It's been a long weekend. She's getting a little silly now," he joked.
On a serious note, Obama thanked all people in the room for their support. "All of you have come to represent for me and Michelle our deepest hopes for America," he said, before jokingly added, "The average age here is probably around 20 something. And that's only because I'm here, which brings the average age up, quite a bit."
The skill, idealism and spirit he witnessed in the room "makes me know that America's future is in good hands." He went on, "As long as all of you understand the immense and incredible power that you possess when you work together, when you join voices."
The commander-in-chief took time to pay homage to Alex Okrent, a Chicago campaign staffer who died during the presidential race. "Alex was one of you," he said. "This incredibly thoughtful, talented, compassionate, caring young person who decided to get involved because he thought he could make a difference. And tragically, he ended up leaving us while working on the campaign."
"It was heartbreaking," he continued expressing his condolence as quoted by New York Daily News. "It reminded us of how precious our time on this earth is."
Tickets for the ball were sold to staffers for only $10. All proceeds were donated to the Alex Okrent Memorial Fund.
