Tom Hanks to host Biden, Harris inauguration special ‘Celebrating America’

Actor Tom Hanks will host a television special, “Celebrating America” Jan. 20 that culminates with the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

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The 90-minute television special will feature musical performance by Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi, Rolling Stone reported. Other performers are expected as well.

“I was left speechless when I was asked to perform,” Lovato said on social media.

Clemons was also excited about the performance.

“To say that this is a dream come true, would be an understatement,” Clemons said on social media.

Timberlake said he and Clemons would perform their song, “Better Days.”

The special will air at 8 p.m. on multiple networks and online. Biden and Harris will be sworn in at noon.

“This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America United,” Tony Allen, CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee and president of Delaware State University, said in a statement Wednesday. “We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this primetime program. Our first priority is safety — so while many of us will be watching safely from our homes, we are creating real moments of connection that highlight a new inclusive American era of leadership that works for and represents all Americans.”

Inauguration events were already scaled back because of the coronavirus pandemic. Security has also been increased since a riot Jan. 6 by supporters of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol that left five dead, including a Capitol Police officer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group