Beyoncé to Sing National Anthem at Inauguration

Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor will perform at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Monday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced.

Beyoncé will sing the National Anthem, Kelly Clarkson will perform “My Country Tis of Thee” and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful.”

"When we work with guest artists we coordinate with them and their music directors to get a sense of what they are hoping for in their presentation, and what's their best key," said Col. Michael J. Colburn, director of The President's Own.

U.S. Marine Band Staff Sergeant Ryan Nowlin is arranging the selections to be sung by Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson, with Marine Band accompaniment, Colburn said.

President Obama was involved in the selection of participants in the Inaugural program, including the musical performers. "Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country," Obama said.

Other ceremonial participants include author, civil rights and political activist Myrlie Evers-Williams, who will give the invocation; Richard Blanco, who will serve as the Inaugural poet; and Rev. Luis Leon, who ministers at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the parish near the White House Obama most frequently attends with his family, who will deliver the Benediction.