The 90-minute program will air on the major broadcast and cable news networks, except for Fox, who is streaming it instead, according to a news release from the inauguration team.
Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi,Demi LovatoandJustin Timberlakewill all perform. Clemons and Timberlake will sing their “Better Days,” which they wrote.
“We got the phone call to be asked for that and I was like, ‘Uhhyes,’ " he said jokingly.
Next Wednesday’s inauguration was already going to be unlike any other, held in the shadow of a pandemic that has killed more than 350,000 people in the U.S.
Biden’s inaugural team said the special “will highlight the strength of our democracy, the perseverance of our people, and our ability to come together during trying times and emerge stronger than ever before.”
“The program will celebrate American heroes who are helping their fellow Americans through this crisis, including frontline workers, health care workers, teachers, citizens giving back, and those who are breaking barriers,” organizers said in the news release.
The inaugural committee CEO, Tony Allen, said in a statement that the inauguration “presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America United. We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this prime-time program.”
Much about this year’s inauguration will be different from previous ceremonies: The health risks from the pandemic led organizers to limit attendees to a few thousand and to encourage the public not to travel to Washington, D.C. — while last week’s violent riot raised additional concerns.
In lieu of the traditional in-person festivities such as musical performances, inauguration week parties and inaugural balls, Biden has organized a virtual parade after his swearing-in on the Capitol steps and inaugural address.
“Our first priority is safety — so while many of us will be watching safely from our homes, we are creating real moments of connection that highlight a new inclusive American era of leadership that works for and represents all Americans,” Allen said in his statement.
Inauguration organizers are also encouraging a day of service on Monday, to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and are organizing a memorial for the victims of thenovel coronaviruson Tuesday.
The inauguration special “Celebrating America” airs Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ET) on ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC and NBC as well as online via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others.
source: people.com
