How to watch the key moments from Joe Biden’s inauguration online

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This year’s ceremony will have even more security than usual
AFP via Getty Images
Luke O'Reilly21 January 2021

Millions across the world tuned in on Wednesday as Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

This year's Inauguration Day differed from previous years. Inaugurations typically draw over a million spectators to Washington DC's National Mall, with Americans gathering to watch the ceremony from giant television screens before the new president travels from the Capitol to the White House.

But this year’s parade was replaced by a "virtual" event and took place in a Washington on edge, after the deadly riots at the US Capitol, which has prompted a mass security operation

More than 25,000 troops and police were on duty, while fencing lined the perimeter of the US Capitol complex, as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made history.

The ceremony began around 4pm in the UK and included performances from Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga performed. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to catch up on the Inauguration:

How can I watch the highlights?

Highlights from the event can be found on YouTube.

The Evening Standard has a video of Lady Gaga’s performance of the inauguration to go along with this piece.

We also carried Joe Biden’s speech in full.

What happened at Joe Biden’s inauguration?

Joe Biden swore the oath of office and then gave a speech, calling on Americans to set aside their divisions.

Prior to the oath, singer Lady Gaga belted out the American national anthem. The Grammy winner wore a huge dove-shaped brooch and an impressively billowing red sculpted skirt as she sang into a golden microphone.

She was followed at Wednesday's ceremony by Jennifer Lopez, dressed all in white, who threw a line of Spanish into her medley of "This Land is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" — a pointed nod to multiculturalism, just two weeks after white supremacists and other violent rioters stormed the Capitol in an effort to undermine the peaceful transfer of power.

And country star Garth Brooks, wearing a black cowboy hat, sang an a capella rendition of "Amazing Grace," his eyes closed for much of the song. He asked the audience to sing a verse with him: "Not just the people here, but the people at home, to work as one united."

Who performed at Celebrating America?

"Celebrating America," a 90-minute, multi-network broadcast hosted by Tom Hanks that took the place of the usual official inaugural balls, with Mr Biden and Ms Harris watching along and giving brief remarks. Alone with his guitar, Bruce Springsteen sang his "Land of Hope and Dreams" in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

"I will provide for you, and I'll stand by your side," he sang. "You'll need a good companion, for this part of the ride."

Mr Hanks, also at the Lincoln Memorial, spoke of "deep divisions and a troubling rancour in our land" over the past few years. "But tonight we ponder the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our Constitution, the hope and dreams we all share for a more perfect union," he said.

Jon Bon Jovi contributed a rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" from Miami, and Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake performed "Better Days" from Memphis. John Legend sang "Feeling Good" in Washington; Foo Fighters sang "Times Like These" in honor of teachers, and Demi Lovato performed "Lovely Day" along with doctors and nurses in Los Angeles.

A collection of Broadway stars actors collaborated on a medley of "Seasons of Love" from the show "Rent" and "Let the Sunshine In" from "Hair," among them Christopher Jackson, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Laura Benanti, Betty Buckley, Leslie Uggams and Javier Munoz. "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda recited from "The Cure at Troy" by Irish poet Seamus Heaney.

The proceedings ended with a lavish fireworks show in the Washington night sky, watched by Mr Biden (at the White House) and Ms Harris (at the Lincoln Memorial) and their families to "Firework," performed by Katy Perry.

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