The Roots, Eddie Vedder, and More Celebrate Obama Presidential Center Opening

The Obama Presidential Center and Library officially opened its doors on Thursday in Chicago, marking the occasion with a grand opening ceremony that boasted a guest list rivaling the world’s most prominent music festivals. The event featured powerhouse performances from an array of iconic artists, including Bruce Springsteen, U2’s Bono and the Edge, The Roots, and Stevie Wonder.

The Roots set the tone for the festivities, opening the ceremony with a high-energy, funky rendition of jazz legend Donald Byrd’s “Change (Makes You Want to Hustle).” The performance seamlessly transitioned into their own hit “You Got Me” before shifting into a soulful, blues-infused interpretation of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” The group maintained the momentum with a vibrant cover of Kool & The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie.”

Chicago native and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson graced the stage to deliver a stirring rendition of the national anthem. She also performed the iconic “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” from The Man of La Mancha, a song she previously showcased during a 2009 NAACP tribute to Muhammad Ali.

The musical tributes continued as Christina Aguilera performed a unique arrangement of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The song, noted as a personal favorite of the Obamas, was performed live by Aguilera for the first time, adding a layer of intimacy to the historic event.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, a Chicago native and dedicated Cubs fan, collaborated with the local non-profit organization Guitars Over Guns. Together, they debuted “Better Believe,” a new track Vedder co-wrote with the students involved in the program.

The ceremony also featured EGOT winner John Legend, who performed a cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free.” Legend shared personal reflections on his early meetings with Barack Obama during his tenure as an Illinois senator. The performance concluded with a surprise appearance by Chicago rapper Common, who joined Legend and a choir for a powerful rendition of their Oscar-winning anthem, “Glory.”