Yahoo Sports Biden inauguration concert: John Legend enthrals with ‘healing’ performance of ‘Feeling Good’
John Legend singing ‘Feeling good’ in Inauguration concert on Wednesday evening
(YouTube/Biden Inaugural Committee)The star-studded inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris had several outstanding performances, but one particularly stood out — that of singer John Legend’s rendition of “Feeling Good,” which received special attention from fans on social media.
The 11-time Grammy winner delivered a powerful performance on a grand piano in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, singing a song made popular by Nina Simone in 1965. The performance was part of “Celebrating America”, a 90-minute-show which aired across the country, marking the inauguration of the new president and vice-president.
Legend’s rendition of the song created quite a stir online. Some called it a great tribute to Ms Simone, while others echoed the sentiments of the song by posting lyrics that reflect fresh beginning and hope.
“Wow. John Legend. A piano. Lincoln. America is beginning to heal. This is just one awesome moment after another as everyone comes together,” a Twitter user named Houston wrote.
Wow. John Legend. A piano. Lincoln. America is beginning to heal. This is just one awesome moment after another as everyone comes together. #CelebratingAmerica #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/8aEJ709xp4
— Houston 🏳️🌈 (@radiohouston) January 21, 2021
Supreme court lawyer Neal Katyal wrote: “America needed this celebration after the last 2 weeks, and after the last 4 years. We are back.”
The brilliant Nina Simone selection of Feeling Good by @johnlegend was suggested by his brilliant manager @tystiklorius.
America needed this celebration after the last 2 weeks, and after the last 4 years. We are back. https://t.co/VymD3L3HJA— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) January 21, 2021
"Whew @johnlegend! Feeling Good indeed!” wrote Chelsea Clinton.
“Swear I saw Lincoln tapping his foot to @johnlegend,” wrote advocate Tom Perriello.
Former White House press secretary, Bill Burton, wrote: “America: it is not possible to feel better right now. John Legend: yes it is.”
“Wasn’t expecting to adore John Legend’s cover of ‘Feelin’ Good’, but what an inspired choice and brilliant performance. It’s been a remarkable day,” said Twitter user named MIchael.
“Pretty sure the Nina Simone print in our living room muttered ‘goddamn,’" tweeted historian Kevin Kruse with a photo of the iconic American singer.
Whew @johnlegend! Feeling Good indeed!
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) January 21, 2021
Swear I saw Lincoln tapping his foot to @johnlegend
— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) January 21, 2021
America: it is not possible to feel better right now.
John Legend: yes it is.— Bill Burton (@billburton) January 21, 2021
Wasn’t expecting to adore John Legend’s cover of “Feelin’ Good”, but what an inspired choice and brilliant performance. It’s been a remarkable day. - MIchael @johnlegend
— MJMS (@mjmusicstudio) January 21, 2021
Pretty sure the Nina Simone print in our living room muttered “goddamn,” @johnlegend pic.twitter.com/aHIIYb733D
— Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) January 21, 2021
The show, Celebrating America, also featured performances from “iconic locations across the country,” by Black Pumas, Tim McGraw, Tyler Hubbard, Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen and more.
