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Actor Tom Hanks to host Biden presidential inauguration TV show
Published: Jan 14, 2021 05:03 PM
US President-elect Joe Biden has cast himself as a unifier for the nation, but there is someone else the incoming administration hopes can help start healing a divided US next week: universally beloved actor Tom Hanks.

The Forrest Gump star will host a special program broadcast simultaneously on all major US networks on the night of Biden's inauguration, US media reported.

The 90-minute show entitled Celebrating America will feature musical performances from musicians Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and Demi Lovato. 

"I'm SO honored to announce that I will be joining @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris for their special event," Lovato wrote on Twitter.

The broadcast - organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee - will replace the usual festivities at the swearing-in ceremony, canceled this time because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Aretha Franklin sang at Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009, while Beyonce performed at his second four years later.

Trump had to settle for less well-known artists in 2017 due to his unpopularity in the entertainment world. Country singer Toby Keith headlined the event.

The Hanks-hosted primetime special on Wednesday will start at 8:30 pm Eastern Time and will be broadcast on stations ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC.

It will pay tribute to "American heroes," including the workers on the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.