Bruce Springsteen to perform at televised special to mark Joe Biden's inauguration

He joins the likes of Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Demi Lovato

Bruce Springsteen will perform at a televised special marking Joe Biden's inauguration. AFP

Bruce Springsteen is the latest star to be added to the bill for a televised special which will mark the inauguration of Joe Biden as the next President of the United States.

The Born in the USA singer will join the likes of Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and John Legend to perform at Celebrating America, a 90-minute special set to be hosted by Tom Hanks.

Timberlake revealed on Wednesday, January 13 that he will perform a new song, Better Days, written several months ago, as a way of "doing what little we could to encourage everyone to stay hopeful and to keep working towards a better future".

Comparisons are being drawn to the modest line-up that Donald Trump was able to attract for his inauguration.

"This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America united," said Tony Allen, chief executive of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

"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 prime-time programme.”

The celebrations will look different from past presidential inaugurations, with tightened security because of the riots at the US Capitol on January 6.

The event was already going to be pared down owing to Covid-19, with Biden asking supporters to stay at home and watch from afar. In keeping with crowd size restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, traditional activities such as the parade and the inaugural balls will be virtual.

"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.”

Celebrating America will be broadcast on Wednesday, January 20, at 8.30pm ET, and will be streamed via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, as well as broadcast on US television.