The lead singer of Fuel proclaimed, “Welcome to the greatest —-ing country in the world.” Brett Scallions followed with a quick apology of “excuse my language.”
The outburst was one of the most interesting moments of Tuesday’s concert, hosted by Bush twins Jenna and Barbara, who were in the audience but did not come on stage.
Duff was the headliner at the half-full, D.C. Armory concert, which paid tribute to youth volunteerism and community service. Duff, who performed in a black sequin top, rolled-up jeans and sneakers, warmed up the crowd for the president and first lady Laura Bush.
“My call to you all is that as you enjoy the great freedoms of America and as you enjoy yourself at this inauguration, I hope you take away the lesson of helping somebody in need,” said Bush, who arrived toward the end of the concert after Scallions’ remark. “And when you do, it will not only make our country a better place, it will lift up your own spirit.”
Other performers included 2003 “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard, pop singer JoJo and the band, 3 Doors Down. Also appearing were former football player Jason Sehorn, actor Stephen Baldwin, who rode a skateboard onto the stage, and “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell, who co-hosts the entertainment show with Billy Bush, whose father, Jonathan, is the brother of former President George H.W. Bush.
Unabashed patriotism aside (our friends around the globe find comments like “greatest country in the world” so endearing), there’s got to be a society of space aliens monitoring our movements. Fuel, Ruben Studdard, The Retarded Baldwin…hey, never mind the threat of human terror, a superior species could be planning an overthrow at any moment.