Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor to play for Obama

Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor will all perform at the 57th Presidential Inauguration, which will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013.

“Vice President Biden and I are honored to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony,” President Obama said today. “Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country.”

Beyoncé Knowles, known by her stage name as Beyoncé, will sing the National Anthem, Kelly Clarkson will perform “My Country Tis of Thee,” and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful.”

President Obama was involved in the selection of participants in the Inaugural program, including the musical performers. Other ceremonial participants include Myrlie Evers-Williams, who will give the invocation; Richard Blanco, who will serve as the Inaugural poet; and Reverend Louie Giglio, who will deliver the Benediction.