CMT News

Garth Brooks energized the crowd Sunday (Jan. 18) at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., during a concert leading up to Tuesday's (Jan. 20) inauguration of President Barack Obama. Brooks opened with a cover of Don McLean's "American Pie" and tossed in frat house classic, the Isley Brothers' "Shout," before closing his set with his own 1992 hit, "We Shall Be Free." Also at the concert, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles joined John Legend and James Taylor to sing Taylor's "Shower the People." HBO televised the event that also included performances by John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Mary J. Blige, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock and others. ... Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus and Faith Hill were busy Monday (Jan. 19) with related events in Washington. At the Verizon Center, Billy Ray Cyrus appeared during his daughter's set at Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future, a concert special on the Disney Channel. They sang their country hit, "Ready, Set, Don't Go," during the show that also featured the Jonas Brothers and others. Hill appeared on a special episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show to help Seal, Mary J. Blige and Will.I.Am perform the world premiere of songwriter David Foster's "America's Song." Bono participated in a pre-taped segment. Hill will also perform at The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration, a special airing Tuesday (Jan. 20) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The concert also features Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey and others. View photos from Washington.