by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

Pop stars Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson will perform on the steps of the U.S. Capitol when President Barack Obama is sworn in for the second time on January 21. Joining them will be veteran folk singer-songwriter James Taylor. Beyonce, also slated to perform at next month's Super Bowl Halftime Show, will sing the National Anthem at the swearing-in ceremony. Clarkson is expected to belt out 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' while Taylor delivers his rendition of 'America, the Beautiful.' The event will be carried live on all major broadcast network and cable news channels.

WILL OCEAN GRACE GRAMMYS?
The Black Keys, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, fun., and Mumford & Sons are the first round of performers announced for the upcoming Grammy Awards telecast. The three-hour-long show takes place February 10 in Los Angeles with a tape-delayed 8 p.m. telecast on the West Coast. More artists are expected to join the lineup, including a possible appearance by multiple nominee Frank Ocean.

SEE YOU IN THE PIT
Passion Pit is returning to Seattle, again. The alternative pop band is set to perform March 5 at the Paramount Theatre, to further promote 2012's Gossamer album. Electro-punk duo Crystal Castles is also headed back here, playing the Moore Theatre on April 30 - an upgrade from last year's concert at The Showbox SoDo. Martha Wainwright, younger sis of Rufus, will give an intimate performance at the Tractor Tavern on March 13. Mercury Music Prize nominees Django Django have secured the date of March 19 at The Neptune, while Rhett Miller (he's interviewed twice with SGN) has been added to the Triple Door calendar on March 5.

OSCAR FEVER
The Oscar nominations are in and nominees for Best Original Song are 'Skyfall' from Skyfall, 'Suddenly' from Les Misérables, 'Everybody Needs a Best Friend' from Ted, 'Pi's Lullaby' from Life of Pi, and 'Before My Time' from Chasing Ice. The Best Original Score nods went to Anna Karenina (Dario Marianelli), Argo (Alexandre Desplat), Life of Pi (Mychael Danna), Lincoln (John Williams), and Skyfall (Thomas Newman). Clearly flattered by the news, 'Skyfall' co-writer Adele posted her reaction on Twitter: 'Oh my god I feel like Meryl Streep.' It's assumed the multi-Grammy winner will perform on the Academy Awards telecast, set for February 24.

Finally, look for upcoming interviews with Jerick Hoffer, star of the Paramount Theatre's production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, on January 18; Suzanne Vega on February 1; and recording artist/TV actress Emmy Rossum on February 8 right here in The Music Lounge.

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