As Beyoncé made her way to the platform to sing the National Anthem, she stopped to kiss the 44^th President of United States, Barack Obama, who had been sworn in for his second term only a short time earlier.

Stepping up to the mic, Bey, wearing a long black Pucci dress and emerald earrings from Lorraine Schwartz, seemed composed and ready as the U.S. Marine Band played the song’s first notes.

(JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

(Alex Wong/Getty Images)

With her hair perfectly styled to the side, she started off quiet, but halfway through she flung the monitor out of her ear to hit the final big notes of the anthem.

Once she was done, she made her way back to hubby, Jay-Z, who along with Bey was a VIP guest of the President, sitting on stage during the swearing in, for a congratulatory hug.

(Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Kelly Clarkson also participated in the festivities singing “My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee,” accompanied by the U.S. Marine Band.

Though she also started off quiet, Kelly broke out all the stops for the big finale. The American Idol winner even earned a kiss on the cheek from President Obama for a job well done and a “wow” from the Master of Ceremonies, New York State Senator Chuck Schumer.

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James Taylor, who blew on his cold hands before grabbing his guitar, sang an acoustic version of “America The Beautiful” for the crowd.

Four years ago, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, along with Aretha Franklin, in a very festive hat, were among those artists that helped Obama swear in.

What did you think of this year’s performances?

- Shannon Carlin, Radio.com