WASHINGTON, D.C. — A collective scream rose above the rafters of the National Convention Center as Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and their children opened the Kids’ Inaugural Concert Jan. 19. The concert, themed “Joining Forces,” honored military veterans and their families on the weekend of President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

As the Obamas and Bidens took their seats in the crowd, Nick Cannon appeared to introduce Usher, who danced across the stage in black leather pants and bright red high-tops.

His performance of “OMG” infused the crowd with an energy that only grew as Far East Movement, Mindless Behavior, Soul Children of Chicago and Black Violin gave it their all.

In between sets, televised messages from The Wanted, Ryan Seacrest and several Disney Channel stars reminded the children in the audience they were special.

As the evening drew to a close, Biden touched on her experience while her son, Beau, was deployed to Iraq.

“We will be here for you while your moms and dads are away,” she said. “We want to celebrate the strength of our military services. Joining forces is especially important to me because I know something about being a military mom.”

Applause for Biden faded, and Obama approached the podium. In her speech, she expressed her pride in the military and their families.

“As these wars draw to an end and we draw down our troops, I want you to know that we will not be drawing down our work to support you,” she said. “The fact is that today, we have a greater obligation to serve you than ever before, and we will do everything in our power to meet that obligation and give our military families what they deserve.”

Then, a star-spangled Katy Perry burst onto the stage in a cloud of glitter, much to the delight of the young female audience members and her boyfriend, John Mayer, who was spotted in the back, bobbing his head to “Teenage Dream.”

“Four more years!” Perry chanted breathily between songs.

And then it was over. Older children floated out of the concert hall on a pop music high while the younger ones curled up on their parents’ shoulders. Some went home for a bedtime story, others for a nightcap.