The National Mall inaugural concert for Obama was “We Are One,” and the performers included Bono, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Shakira, and U2. NPR’s coverage specifically mentions Bono, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder, and also notes performances by Mary J. Blige, Usher, Shakira, and U2 during the event.

Quick Scoop

That concert took place on January 18, 2009, the day before Barack Obama’s inauguration, and drew an estimated 400,000 people. It was one of the major musical events tied to his inauguration celebrations.

Who played

  • Bono and U2
  • Beyoncé
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Usher
  • Shakira

One-line version

If you want the shortest answer: Bono, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder were among the headline acts at Obama’s National Mall concert, with Mary J. Blige, Usher, Shakira, and U2 also performing.

TL;DR

Obama’s National Mall concert was the 2009 “We Are One” inauguration concert, featuring a stacked lineup led by Bono, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Shakira, and U2.