Obama inauguration concert: Obama pre-inaugural concert videos

The Obama inauguration festivities have started in Washington and one of the first events on the calendar was the "We are One" pre-inaugural concert held at the Lincoln Memorial and attended by thousands who braved the cold (very cold) weather. They were not disappointed as the brightest stars in the entertainment industry came out to perform for the incoming President of the United States of America. On hand to lend their voices and talent were Beyonce Knowles and Mary J. Blige as well as will.i.am, who appeared on-stage with Sheryl Crow and Herbie Hancock singing Bob Marley's "One Love"; Usher, who performed a duet with Shakira, Stevie Wonder performing "Higher Ground", and

John Legend, who teamed up with James Taylor on "Shower the People" among others. Posted blow are videos of these performances culled from YouTube including Beyonce's rendition of "America the Beautiful", while Mary sang Bill Withers' 1972 hit single "Lean on Me".

More entertainment luminaries are scheduled to perform in other events leading up to the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20. "Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future" will be held at Verizon Center and will feature performances from Corbin Bleu, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato. While on the inauguration itself, singer Aretha Franklin, violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill will perform as well.

"We are One": Obama inauguration / pre-inaugural concert videos

Mary J. Blige at the "We Are One" concert
Beyonce Knowles: "America the Beautiful"