WASHINGTON, D.C. — A large contingent of celebrities were among the crowd of more than one million who descended on Washington for Tuesday's historic inauguration of Barack Obama.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, a strong supporter of the nation's first black president during his campaign, spoke of the day's special meaning.
"This is the place to be. There's no other place on earth," Winfrey told Access Hollywood. "I've got lots of Kleenex in my pocket."
Winfrey, who attended the festivities with partner Stedman Graham and best friend Gayle King, said witnessing the moment first-hand was worth braving the chilly outdoor temperatures.
"I'm front and center and frozen and happy," she said. "I'm layered and I'm wearing something called men's pantyhose. I got hot chilies in my hand and hot chilies in my boots!"
R&B star Usher was also on hand, and like Winfrey, he didn't mind getting the chills both inside and outside.
"Incredible," he told Access of the historic day. "My tears turned to ice!"
Several other music stars also made the trip to the nation's capital, including Sean "Diddy" Combs and superstar couple Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z.
"Me and my man Barack. Love you baby," Diddy told Access as he blew kisses towards the podium. "It's a new day."
"An incredible feeling. Never thought this day would come," added a proud Jay-Z. "It's a beautiful step for America."
More Celebrity Reactions
"I've never been more proud to be an American in my whole life." — actress Jamie Lee Curtis
"We're part of the world community again." — actor Samuel L. Jackson
"I'm speechless." — actor Denzel Washington
"While watching the events of today's inauguration all morning, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with tears of excitement at the prospect of change!!! I have never been more proud to be a young, American adult." — Reality TV star Whitney Port
"I... climbed a tree and watched it on the Jumbotron. "It's awesome we were all there for such a bigger purpose. A true moment in history I will remember. It just felt good." — Musician Pete Wentz
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