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Home · Celebrity

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama's Inauguration

It may not have been a Hollywood event, but President Barack Obama's second inauguration was certainly the hottest celebrity ticket in town. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz made the president's swearing-in ceremony a teachable moment for their son, Egypt, while Beyonce shared pics of her rehearsals prior to singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how celebrities enjoyed Obama's historic weekend.
By · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

“Excited to share this incredible day with our son!” tweeted Alicia Keys, as she and hubby Swizz Beatz watched President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Alicia Keys/ Instagram
02
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Terrence J. and Lala Anthony get ready to take on their duties as co-hosts of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Terrence J/ Instagram
03
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Beyonce prepares for her flawless performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at President Obama’s inauguraton.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Beyonce/ Instagram
04
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Gabrielle Union and a friend withstood the cold to witness history. “Frozen fudge pops we were but so worth it,” she wrote.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Gabrielle Union/ Instagram
05
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Lala Anthony, Chanel Iman and Angela Simmons have a blast at Russell Simmons Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Angela Simmons/ Mobli
06
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

John Legend and girlfriend Chrissy Teigen visit the National Portrait Gallery for a pre-Inauguration event.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
07
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Star Jones and Kerry Washington attend a pre-Inauguration celebration.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Kerry Washington/ WhoSay
08
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Naturi Naughton visits the Lincoln Memorial during Inauguration weekend.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Naturi Naughton/ Twitter
09
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Reality star Omarosa Manigault and her mom head to President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on Inauguration Day.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Omarosa/ Instagram
10
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Former 106 & Park host Rocsi Diaz and a friend are all smiles as they take a bus headed for President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Rocsi Diaz/ Instagram
11
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

CNN anchors Roland Martin and Soledad O’Brien get ready to report on all the action.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Roland Martin/ Twitter
12
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration
Shaun Robinson/ Twitter
Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
13
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

“The Inauguration Boys just hit DC,” tweeted Swizz Beatz, as he and sons Egypt and Kasseem Jr. hit the capital for inauguration weekend.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Swizz Beatz/ Instagram
14
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Tatyana Ali and her mother stay close as they head to President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Tatyana Ali/ Instagram
15
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Taraji P. Henson is as fabulous as ever in her hotel room before heading to a pre-Inauguration brunch hosted by Google and Elle Magazine.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Taraji P. Henson/ Instagram
16
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Alicia Keys does a sound check before performing at all three official Inauguration balls.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Alicia Keys/ Instagram
17
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Wayne Brady and Doug E. Fresh get ready to perform together at the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Wayne Brady/ Instagram
18
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

Phaedra Parks (and her adorable baby bump) attends an inauguration event with the legendary Gladys Knight.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Phaedra Parks/ Instagram
19
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

A fan snapped a pic of Kerry Washington as she watched President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Nickole Bush/ Twitter
20
Stars Celebrate the Inauguration

The ever adventurous Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker braved the cold and took a pedi-cab to attend BET’s Inaugural Ball.

Candid Celeb Moments from Obama’s Inauguration
Nicole Ari Parker/ Twitter
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