Just ahead of being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama and his family got a star-studded and emotional welcoming at the Washington's Lincoln Memorial on Sunday.

At the two-hour long We Are One: The Obama Opening Inaugural Celebration was broadcast live on an open signal on HBO and featured a variety of singers and actors.

The crowd erupted in cheers when Obama and his wife, Michelle, arrived, walking down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Denzel Washington kicked the festivities off with an introduction, telling the crowd, We are inspired by the man we've elected to be the 44th president. Then, the actor gave the stage over to Bruce Springsteen and a full gospel choir in red robes and performed The Rising.

Actor Tom Hanks appeared in a dark suit and read a somber tribute to Abraham Lincoln.

The crowd of almost half and million were up on their feet when Stevie Wonder, Usher, and Shakira performed Wonder's classic Higher Ground.

Sheryl Crow and will.i.am sang One Love, and golf great Tiger Woods, the son of a military man, reminded the nation the sacrifices of military families.

Other artists included Jon Bon Jovi, Bettye LaVette, Bono, The Edge and Garth Brooks.

Beyoncé closed out the event with an astounding version of America the Beautiful. The singer called all the earlier performers on stage, leading a star-studded sing-along.

America, we are one, the singer shouted after she was done with her song.

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