Christina Aguilera Earns a Standing Ovation From the Obamas in Chicago
Christina Aguilera delivered one of the standout moments at Thursday's dedication ceremony for the Barack Obama Presidential Center, performing a never-before-live rendition of Louis Armstrong's 1967 classic "What a Wonderful World." Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett introduced the song to the crowd as one of the former president's personal favorites, revealing that Aguilera herself had said, "I've never sung it in public before."
Introduced by Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett as one of the former president's favorite songs, the 1967 standard had never been part of Aguilera's live repertoire, something Jarrett revealed to the crowd before the singer took the stage, noting Aguilera had told her, "I've never sung it in public before." Dressed in a glittering cream gown, Aguilera delivered a soulful new arrangement that earned a standing ovation from both Barack and Michelle Obama.
The performance was part of a stacked lineup at Thursday's invite-only ceremony, which also featured Jennifer Hudson on the national anthem and "The Impossible Dream," John Legend performing "Someday We'll All Be Free" and "Glory" alongside Common, Bruce Springsteen, and a closing set from Stevie Wonder that brought the full lineup back onstage. U2's Bono and The Edge, Eddie Vedder, Marc Anthony, Tems and The Roots also took part, with Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg among the dignitaries in attendance.
The 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public today, Juneteenth, on Chicago's South Side.
