BEYONCE KNOWLES - BEYONCE 'OVERWHELMED' BY OBAMA INAUGURATION

BEYONCE 'OVERWHELMED' BY OBAMA INAUGURATION

Singer BEYONCE fought back tears as she sang for new U.S. President BARACK OBAMA - calling the experience "the most important day" of her life.
The R+B star was one of the headline acts to appear at the politician's Neighborhood Ball celebration following his official inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C, on Tuesday (20Jan09).
And following performances from musicians including will.i.am and Stevie Wonder, Beyonce was chosen to sing as Obama and his wife, Michelle, began their first dance as President and First Lady.
The star was visibly moved during her rendition of Etta James' At Last and came close to breaking down - because she was so proud of her country for electing an African-American leader.
She tells Good Morning America, "I can't even describe to you how I felt. I'm actually right now fighting back tears because it's just so emotional. I'm just so proud of my country. This man was born for this. And he was born to lead us, and I just feel so inspired and so proud. I'm sorry, I'm so embarrassed. I'm just so lucky to be a part of this history. It's probably the most important day of my life, and I'm so grateful."
The superstar, who supported Obama throughout his campaign, admits the Democrat succeeded in sharpening her interest in politics.
She adds, "Honestly, of course, I've voted before, but I've never really watched the ceremonies. This is my first time being a part of it, and I'm here, and I'm singing ... I'm so overwhelmed, you know. I have chills. He makes me want to be smarter; he makes me want to be more involved."