US R&B star Beyonce had the honour of performing for Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, last night (January 20th) as the couple took their first dance as President and First Lady.

The singer's cover of Etta James' 'At last' was rapturously received by a packed crowd at the Neighborhood Ball.

Obama drew the biggest response from the crowd when he twice twirled his wife round.

In testament to his wide-spread appeal among the music world, the Neighborhood ball - one of ten official events in Washington DC - was a star studded event.

Mariah Carey followed Beyonce on stage to perform 'Hero', while other performances came from Mary J Blige and will.i.am.

Obama, the first African-American to secure the keys to the White House, was sworn in at Capitol Hill shortly after 1700pm (GMT).

An estimated two million people were gathered in the National Mall to watch he deliver his first speech as president.

(by Jason Gregory)