Tom Hanks to host Biden inauguration TV special

Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, and Demi Lovato are among the acts set to perform for a US TV primetime special hosted by Tom Hanks to mark the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

The show will be broadcast on all the major US networks after the swearing-in on January 20th, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced on Wednesday.

Celebrating America will be a 90-minute show and will “showcase the American people’s resilience, heroism, and unified commitment to coming together as a nation to heal and rebuild”.

Demi Lovato

The special will also celebrate “American heroes” such as frontline workers, health care workers, teachers and ordinary citizens giving back and breaking barriers, according to reports.

More guests are expected to be announced later, and the special will begin at 8:30pm Eastern Time next Wednesday and air live on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC.

“This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America United,” Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement.

“We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this primetime program.”

“Our first priority is safety – so while many of us will be watching safely from our homes, we are creating real moments of connection that highlight a new inclusive American era of leadership that works for and represents all Americans.”