U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance as singer Jennifer Hudson performs at the Commander in Chief's Ball in Washington, January 21, 2013.     REUTERS/Rick Wilking (UNITED STATES  - Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT)
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance as singer Jennifer Hudson performs at the Commander in Chief's Ball in Washington, January 21, 2013. — Reuters Photo

WASHINGTON: Beyonce drew a loud cheer at the inauguration Monday even before her impressive rendition of the national anthem. But in the role she played four years ago singing for the president and first lady at the inaugural ball was her "Dreamgirls" co-star Jennifer Hudson.

If President Barack Obama's first inaugural theme seemed to be summed up by Beyonce's "At Last," this time it was Hudson's version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."

Hudson was among the entertainment at Monday night's inaugural balls, joined by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, who modified her hit "Girl on Fire" to sing "He's the president and he's on fire ... Obama's on fire. Obama's on fire."

Beyonce (R) sings the national anthem as U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and Vice President Joe Biden (2nd R) look on during the swearing-in ceremonies on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, January 21, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Reed (UNITED STATES  - Tags: POLITICS)
Beyonce (R) sings the national anthem as US President Barack Obama (L) and Vice President Joe Biden (2nd R) look on during the swearing-in ceremonies on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, January 21, 2013. — Reuters Photo

The crowd at the official Inaugural Ball joined in with the Grammy-nominated fun anthem "We Are Young."

And Wonder got small knots of dancers going with crowd-pleasers such as "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours."

Earlier in the day, the applause for Beyonce started when she took her place with Jay-Z at the Capitol to watch President Barack Obama take the oath for his second term in office. The two stopped to chat with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

James Taylor kicked off the musical performances, strumming his guitar and singing "America the Beautiful." Kelly Clarkson followed with a different arrangement of "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Then Beyonce was introduced and the crowd again roared its approval.

Beyonce had a definite fan in Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who applauded eagerly after she finished singing the national anthem. She offered R&B-esque vocal riffs as she sang on and the crowd seemed to love it, cheering loudly as she finished. Clarkson, too, hit high notes.

U.S. President Barack Obama greets singer Beyonce after she performed the National Anthem during the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 21, 2013.   REUTERS/Win McNamee/Pool (UNITED STATES  - Tags: POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT)
US President Barack Obama greets singer Beyonce after she performed the National Anthem during the presidential inauguration . — Reuters Photo

Beyonce may have been the star musical attraction, but she had plenty of company from Hollywood at the Capitol on Monday. Katy Perry and John Mayer sat side-by-side, with Perry in an orange-striped coat and wide hat, and Mayer in dark sunglasses. Singer-songwriter Ke$ha was there, too.

People flocked to the colorful pop star, snapping photos. And Perry did the same, taking shots of "Girls" actress and daughter of news anchor Brian Williams, Allison Williams.

Actress Eva Longoria was seated on the platform outside the Capitol after making an appearance at a Kennedy Center performance Sunday night. Perry sang at the children's concert the night before.

Former Boston Celtics great Bill Russell was in the crowd, too, along with actor Marlon Wayans.

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