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Home · News

Gala Glam: Best Moments of Inaugural Balls

Party Politics Obama Presidential Gala Fashions
By · January 20, 2009October 29, 2020
01
The Legacy Begins

Our newly elected President kicked of the night with an appearance at the first-ever Neighborhood Ball, attended by everyday Americans. The gala was the first of ten balls the Obamas attended on Inauguration Night.

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AP Image
02
Set It Off

Queen Latifah shared hosting duties with such stars as Denzel Washington, Vanessa L. Williams, Kerry Washington, Nick Cannon and more at the Neighborhood Ball.

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03
The Moment

All eyes are on the Obamas as they take their first dance while Beyoncé sings the Etta James classic “At Last.”

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AP Image
04
Proud Mary

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige wowed the crowd with a stirring performance at the Neighborhood Ball.

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AP Image
05
New Day

Hip-hop artist will.i.am rocked the house in a slick white suit at the Neighborhood Ball.

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AP Image
06
A Song for President Obama

Mariah Carey delivered an emotional performance of her hit “Hero” in a curve-hugging black dress at the Neighborhood Ball.

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AP Image
07
Salute to America

“This ball is the one that captures best the spirit of this campaign,” says President Obama on the significance of the first-ever Neighborhood Ball that linked Americans across the country interactively and via a live broadcast on ABC.

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Getty Image/AP
08
Black Is Beautiful

“First of all, how good-looking is my wife?” said President Barack Obama at the historic inaugural gala.

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Getty
09
At Last

“This man was born to lead us. At last he is here. He makes me want to be more involved,” says Beyoncé, after an emotional performance of “At Last,” the Etta James classic, for the first dance of President Obama and the nation’s First Lady.

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Getty Image/AP
10
First Class Style

It was a fashionable affair at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, where Mrs. Obama wore an original design my Jason Wu.

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Getty Image/AP
11
An Emerging Design Star Is Born

Designer Jason Wu, 26, played close attention to detail when designing the First Lady’s long, flowing one-shoulder gown. The ruched bodice and full skirt accentuated her tall frame, while the sparkling beads added a touch of romance to the creation that will be donated to the Smithsonian museum.

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Getty Image/AP
12
Celebrate Good Times

Wyclef Jean performs at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C., which is one of ten official balls the Obamas attended.

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13
A Man of the People

President Obama wore a notch-collar tuxedo with traditional white bow tie. He accented the look with an American flag pinned to his lapel for stately elegance.

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14
First Lady Glam

Going for understated sophistication, Mrs. Obama accessorized her white off-the-shoulder Jason Wu gown with an antic medallion jeweled ring, long cascading diamond earrings, and diamond bangles on her wrist.

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15
New Era of Politics

“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and there are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met,” said the President.

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16
Key Player

A beaming Alicia Keys performs her winning hit “No One” at the Neighborhood Ball.

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17
Tender Moment

Vice-President Joe Biden and Mrs. Biden take their turn on the dance floor at the Neighborhood Ball. “I can’t dance, but I sure like holding her,” joked the Vice-President.

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Getty Image/AP

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