The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States, was ushered in by Lady Gaga performing a rousing rendition of the US National Anthem.

Lady Gaga donned the stage in a striking Schiaparelli Haute Couture look designed by Daniel Roseberry: a navy cashmere jacket, a dramatic red silk skirt, and the standout feature, a giant gilded dove of peace brooch. It’s a look that feels very much indebted to The Hunger Games symbolism.

“A dove carrying an olive branch,” Gaga explained of the brooch. “May we all make peace with each other.”

In a series of tweets prefacing her inauguration performance, Lady Gaga delved into the significance of the occasion. “Singing our National Anthem for the American People is my honor,” she wrote.

“I will sing during a ceremony, a transition, a moment of change—between POTUS 45 and 46. For me, this has great meaning. My intention is to acknowledge our past, be healing for our present, and passionate for a future where we work together lovingly. I will sing to the hearts of all people who live on this land. Respectfully and kindly, Lady Gaga.”

Love Pop?

Get the latest Pop news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

The Biden inauguration also saw performances by Jennifer Lopez, who cracked off a rendition of ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and ‘America the Beautiful’, sprinkled with a small taste of her perennial dancefloor anthem ‘Let’s Get Loud.’ Noted republican country music star (and presidential inauguration stalwart) Garth Brooks performed ‘Amazing Grace’. Whilst New Radicals reunited for the first time in 22 years with a performance of ‘Get What You Give.’

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine