President Barack Obama’s second inauguration closed with Beyonce singing a soaring interpretation of the national anthem.
An excellent rendition of the National Anthem immediately following the inauguration of President Barack Obama beginning his second term was performed by Beyoncé Knowles, who was introduced as Beyoncé.
Beyoncé work has earned numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Millennium Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (with Destiny’s Child).
Beyoncé, the solo artist, has sold over 13 million albums in the United States and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In 2009, Billboard named Beyoncé the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade, and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also recognized Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s. In 2010, Beyoncé appeared on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”, and was ranked third on their “100 Greatest Women in Music” list in 2012. In 2010, Knowles was ranked first on Forbes list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Musicians in the World.”
Beyoncé is married to rapper and record producer Jay-Z, who was actively involved in politics during the 2008 presidential campaign. He supported increased voter participation and helped encourage voters to get to the polling stations. Jay-Z was an early supporter for Obama’s candidacy for Illinois senator and his candidacy for the presidency. Jay-Z performed at no charge in voter-drive concerts financed by the Democratic Party.