:: getty ::

Talk about OWNING the moment!



Grammy winner KELLY CLARKSON and the PRESIDENT'S OWN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BAND - literally STOLE the show today, wrapping up the Presidential Inauguration ceremony with a stirring rendition of "My Country Tis Of Thee" which was by all accounts epic.

:: screenshot::

Even the President and members of the Congressional delegation who were on hand seemed to be moved - and stunned - at the perfection of the moment.

:: usmc band // flickr // used with permission ::

"Wow," said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, who was emceeing the festivities, after Clarkson's performance.

Such perfection comes with practice, and the DC-based USMC band has been rehersing for most of the last week to make sure that their end of the performance, which also included the National Anthem with Beyonce, was perfect.

Perfect, indeed.

Later today, the USMC band will perform at the Commander In Chief's ball and at the prayer service at the National Cathederal tomorrow. This is the band's 54th consecutive inaugural, and they've been doing what they do since 1801.