Garth Brooks performs 'Amazing Grace' at Biden's inauguration

Brooks followed fellow performers Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.

January 20, 2021, 12:52 PM

Garth Brooks performed "Amazing Grace" at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday.

Following Biden's first speech as president, the country music legend took to the podium to sing the popular tune. Toward the end of the song, Brooks said, "If I could ask you to sing this last verse with me -- not just the people here, but the people at home. To work as one, united."

The two-time Grammy winner, 58, announced Monday he'd be singing on-site at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for the swearing-in ceremony, joining previously announced artists including Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.

In a press conference, Brooks called the opportunity to perform at the inauguration a chance "to serve" and "not a political statement, a statement of unity."

PHOTO: Garth Brooks performs at the inauguration of President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
Garth Brooks performs at the inauguration of President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
Rob Carr/Getty Images

"I might be the only Republican at this place, but it's about reaching across and loving one another," he said, adding that he's "so tired of being divided" and he believes Biden is "hellbent on making things good."

Ahead of today's festivities, Brooks confirmed he wouldn't sing "We Shall Be Free" because he sang it at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009 when Biden was sworn in as vice president.

Brooks also revealed he agreed to perform at Biden and Harris' inauguration after "a very sweet ask" during a phone call with future first lady Jill Biden.

The "Friends in Low Places" singer followed performances by Gaga -- who sang "The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem -- and Lopez -- who sang "This Land Is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful."

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