Hanks heads especially to celebrate Biden’s inauguration

Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute television special to celebrate Joe Biden’s inauguration as President of the United States, with performances from Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons.

“I was speechless when they asked me to perform!” Lovato wrote on Instagram. Clemons was also happy: “To say it’s a dream come true would be an understatement!”

Timberlake said he and Clemons will be performing his new song “Better Days.” “This song was our way of doing the little we could to encourage everyone to stay optimistic,” he added.

The special will air live on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC starting January 20 at 8:30 pm New York (0100 GMT). It can also be viewed via streaming via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW, DirectTV and U-verse.

According to the producers, the show will “emphasize the resilience of the American people, their heroism and their united commitment to come together as one nation to heal and rebuild.”

The inauguration ceremony will be different from other presidential inaugurations due to last week’s riots on Capitol Hill. Security in the area will be extremely tight.

The event was set to become more modest due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden has asked his supporters to stay home and watch him from a distance. To meet crowd restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus, traditional activities such as the parade and ball opening will be virtual.