WASHINGTON (AP):

Just hours before the swearing-in of Barack Obama as president of the United States, a young, aspiring singer dedicated the national anthem to Michelle Obama as the youth inaugural concert kicked off Monday night.

Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha - who was clutching a camera - took their front-row seats at 'Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future' just before Elijah Lawrence hit all the high notes of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Next onstage was Miley Cyrus, followed by Jamie Foxx leading a singalong of America the Beautiful.

Hannah Montana fans

The Obamas' daughters are known to be fans of Cyrus and her Disney TV alter ego Hannah Montana.

Yesterday, the US's 56th inauguration day began for Barack Obama and incoming Vice-President Joe Biden with a traditional morning worship service at St John's Episcopal Church, across Lafayette Park from the White House.

Obama and his wife waved to bystanders, then entered the church to applause from about 200 people. The Reverend Luis Leon welcomed the new first couple and said every president since James Madison, the country's fourth, has worshipped at the church at least once, "some of them kicking and screaming".

After the 45-minute service, the Obamas were welcomed to the White House for coffee. Outgoing President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeted them at the North Portico, according to custom. Michelle Obama handed Laura Bush a square white box wrapped with a red ribbon.

10 inaugural balls

After the inauguration, festivities were scheduled for well after midnight, with dancing and partying at 10 inaugural balls.

Obama's election electrified millions across the globe with the hope that the new American leader would be more inclusive and open to the needs of people and governments worldwide, more collaborative and more inclined to attack problems with diplomacy than with military power.

Though the new president faces monumental challenges, he should face an extended honeymoon as he takes over from Bush, who leaves Washington as one of the nation's most unpopular and divisive presidents.

More than 10,000 people from all 50 states - including bands and military units - were assembled to follow Obama and Biden from the Capitol along the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometre) inaugural parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue, concluding at a bulletproof reviewing stand in front of the White House.

Barack is congratulated by Sasha after taking the oath of office. Michelle looks on.

Obama kisses Malia after being sworn in.

Michelle Obama arrives for the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol.