WASHINGTON D.C. » A high volume of energy emanated from the National Mall yesterday as thousands of people attended the star-studded opening inaugural celebration for President-elect Barack Obama.

A long list of notable entertainers including U2, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Beyonce and Mary J. Blige played on a stage at the Lincoln Memorial at the two-hour ceremony.

Actors such as Tom Hanks, Forest Whitaker, Kal Penn and Denzel Washington also took the stage with historical readings.

Queen Latifah and golfer Tiger Woods were guest speakers. Woods paid tribute to the military for its selfless acts to protect the country and freedom.

Washington was the first speaker of the ceremony, emphasizing the unity among people that resulted in the election of Obama, bringing inspiration and hope to many. “;We are one,”; he said.

Bruce Springsteen performed first yesterday with the song “;The Rising”; with a choir whose voices carried through the capital.

Historical passages from Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were read by speakers who included actor Samuel L. Jackson, who recalled the late Rosa Parks and her refusal to sit in the back of a bus on her way home. Jackson said she did not realize that her actions would mark a significant turn in history.

A stellar performance by Stevie Wonder of “;Higher Ground,”; accompanied by Shakira and Usher, brought Obama, wife Michelle and others to their feet. Singer Garth Brooks also called Obama to stand and clap along to his song “;We Shall Be Free.”;

 

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    Brooks' energetic performance of “;Shout”; brought the crowd pumping their arms in the air in unison. Obama and his wife, along with U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, clapped along to his performance, which included a vibrant choir that filled the stage.

Singer Mary J. Blige sang a soulful version of “;Lean on Me.”;

Obama laughed as actor and singer Jamie Foxx mimicked his intonation as he said, “;It's been a long time coming, and because of this defining moment, change has come.”;

A rendition of Bob Marley's “;One Love”; by Hancock, will.i.am and Sheryl Crow brought a smile to Obama's face as he subtly bobbed his head to will.i.am's distinctive rap style.

Roars from the crowd came with acts like U2 as Bono sang “;In the Name of Love.”;

Jon Yoshimura, spokesman for U.S. Daniel Akaka, attended the concert with his wife and friends, who were elated to see Stevie Wonder and James Taylor as well as other entertainers perform yesterday.

The crowd quieted at the end of the night as Obama addressed the thousands of attendees who packed National Mall, saying that struggles are ahead.

“;As I prepare for the presidency, you're the voices that I will take with me,”; he said. “;There's no obstacles to stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.”;

Cheers of “;Obama, Obama”; echoed through the mall once he ended his brief speech.