Now that Barack Obama is not only President-Elect (President in 5 hours, 29 minutes) but also a celebrity, all of Hollywood is descending upon Washington, DC for his Inauguration.  The celebrations began on Sunday, in what could be called “Obamafest”, or “Obamapalooza”, maybe.  With music and parties and all kinds of drinking, the only thing that’s missing is hippies rolling around in the mud.  Perhaps we should pray for rain in the Capitol City, if only for our own entertainment.

The Biggest Rock Star of All

The Biggest Rock Star of All

At the Latino Inaugural Gala on Sunday night, celebrities like Rosario Dawson, George Lopez, and Shakira were there to Party for the Prez, but all eyes were on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony—with J. Lo back in her wedding ring since it ‘matched her dress’.  All eyes, however, suddenly wouldn’t have cared if Shakira and J. Lo had a Booty Competition followed by a jell-o catfight, because Barack Obama walked in.  Even Marc Anthony noted that “Washington’s never had a bigger rock star at the helm”.  Having seen Our New Leader dance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, we know that we certainly have the first President with rhythm.  JFK might have been good-looking, but I bet he did that biting-the-lower-lip thing when he danced.  And Bill Clinton couldn’t even run with rhythm.  Let’s not even get started with the Reagan/Bush strictly-classical, dull-as-dishwater music era.

Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder are all there to rock out for Obamarama.  John Legend, James Taylor, and Josh Groban are there, too.  The unusual combination (and expression of everything Obama stands for) of Will.I.Am, Sheryl Crow and Herbie Hancock played Bob Marley’s “One Love” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.  Of Course, Saint Bono was on hand to play “In The Name of Love”, U2’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday brought us a kids’ event hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.  The acts playing at that concert included Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Bow Wow.  Although the event is hosted by the First Wives, it is unlikely that they have any idea who any of these musicians are, unless young Malia and Sasha are fans of “Hannah Montana”.  Stranger things have happened.  For example: the United States electing an African-American President.

Also on Monday was a Jazz-centric concert with Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Cassandra Wilson and Diane Reeves.  Country music was represented by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Garth Brooks.  It seemed that not only did no one want to say ‘no’ to an invitation, but A-list celebrities would have given up their plastic surgeons to perform or just be there.

Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington were on hand for historical readings, and are staying for the events to come.  Aretha Franklin herself is expected to sing at the actual Inauguration.    Afterwards, at the newly-created “Neighborhood Ball”, the New President and First lady will have their first dance.  At any number of post-Inaugural parties, you can find performances by Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Maroon 5, and that guy Jennifer Lopez married most recently.

And just hanging around for the celebration will be LL Cool J, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Macy Gray, Jon Bon Jovi, and Halle Berry, to name a few of the way-famous people showing support for ObamaGala.  Even ObamaGirl, made famous on YouTube for her music video love letters to the President-Elect, got herself an invitation.  A special invitation was given to US Airways pilot and hero Chesley Sullenberger and his family after he made his courageous emergency landing in the middle of the Hudson River on January 15, saving hundreds of lives. 

Although the wretched, disgusting fame-whores Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were outspoken supporters of John McCain throughout the election, they have been seen around Los Angeles lately sporting Obama t-shirts.  Way to hop on the bandwagon.  If they were hoping that would score them seats to an event more star-studded than a reunion at the Betty Ford Clinic, they are wrong. 

Because the entire series of events was put together by Barack Obama’s people, it seems unlikely that a “Team America” scenario would pop up.  But seeing footage of celebrities swarming around Obama the way normal people normally swarm around celebrities does bring back images from that movie. 

Where is Alec Baldwin, by the way?

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