Getty | Getty
Clarkson took to the podium on the national mall first, looking out at the hundreds of thousands of people who had just heard President Obama's moving inaugural address, and withstood the pressure of her opening act with an incredibly powerful rendition of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
Displaying the pipes that not only won her the first 'American Idol' but have kept her famous for the dozen years since, Clarkson belted out the unofficial national anthem accompanied by the United States Marine Band.
And maybe it was just us, but considering this monumental event fell on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that last stanza -- "Long may our land be bright / with freedom's holy light / Protect us Thy might / Great God, our King' -- felt particularly apt.
Senator Chuck Schumer, who had introduced her, echoed the audience's sentiments with a simple: "Wow!"
Later, a serious looking Beyonce took to the stage to sing the national anthem. Though less iconic a moment than her performance of Etta James' "At Last" during the 2009 inaugural ball, it proved to be similarly stirring.
Beyonce's voice sounded as strong as it ever has, and she added subtle flourishes that supplied her vocal signature without ever overpowering the song itself. The anthem tends to inspire singers to show off, but Beyonce was confident enough to know better.
Her smile finally broke as she reached the bombastic close of "The Star Spangled Banner," absolutely nailing that last line and, amidst the images of unfurled flags and madding crowds, providing this epic moment with a deservedly epic soundtrack.
Earlier, before Obama took the oath of office, legendary singer-songwriter and rock 'n' roll hall of famer James Taylor delivered an appropriately lovely version of "America the Beautiful."
Watch Beyonce Sing the National Anthem at the 2013 Inauguration of Barack Obama
Follow @AOLMusic on Twitter | Like AOL Music on Facebook | Sign Up for Newsletter
Mo
J. Cole Debuts 'Born Sinner' Tracklist
Pistol Annies Cancel All Upcoming Concerts
George Jones Biopic Announced
Kanye West & Kim Kardashian's Daughter Has a Name
Flyleaf, 'Something Better' (Featuring P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval) - Exclusive Song Premiere
Helen Lost 82 Pounds: 'Helping Others Is What Life Is All About'
Glen Campbell's Family Gives Update on Alzheimer's Disease
Amy Adams' Bikini Body Isn't What You'd Expect ...
Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood Win Daytime Emmy Awards
LOOK: Teen Was 'Shamed' By TSA Officer For This Outfit
Kellie Pickler to Co-Host 'The View'
LOOK: The Mystery That's Stumped Feds For DECADES
News Roundup - Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's House For Sale, Taylor Swift Wins Video Award
PHOTO: Brazilian Officer Pepper-Sprays Female Protester In The Face
LoCash Cowboys Involved in Serious Bus Accident
Couple Finds Ancient Skeleton In Backyard, May Have To Foot $5,000 Excavation Bill
41 Busted In Child Sex Sting
Axl Rose Doesn't Look Like This Anymore ...
14-Year-Old Faces Jail After Wearing Pro-Gun Shirt To School
WATCH: Porn Star Says My Dad's Angry I Ruined Porn For Him
Outrage Over Class Photo: 'Adults Should Know Better'
WATCH: The Amazing Moment A Trapped Fox Approaches Men For Help
Michael Hastings Dies In Car Crash At Age 33
Khloe's Workout Photos Are Pretty Alarming
Chris Brown's Girlfriend Sure Knows How To Wear A Bikini
7 Beautiful Actresses Who Were Told They Weren't Pretty Enough
Inside Kim Kardashian's Pregnancy Nightmare
Kim Kardashian's Baby Looks Just Like ...
LOOK: Can You Decipher This Girl's NSFW Yearbook Message?
PHOTOS: Michelle Obama's Bangs Spark A Major Backlash
Like Father, Like Son!
Tamra Barney Gets Married, See Her Dress!
Jennifer Aniston's Wedding Postponed?
8 Comments