Tom Hanks to host the TV special on Joe Biden’s inauguration

Actor Tom Hanks will host a special program broadcast simultaneously on all major US networks on the night of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, American media reported.

Biden has cast himself as a unifier for the nation, but the universally beloved actor is someone the incoming administration hopes can help start healing a divided United States next week.

The 90-minute show entitled “Celebrating America” will feature musical performances from Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and Demi Lovato.

“I’m SO honored to announce that I will be joining @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris for their special event,” Lovato wrote on Twitter.

The Hanks-hosted primetime special on Wednesday January 20 will start at 8:30 pm Eastern Time (0130 GMT Thursday) and will be aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC.

The broadcast — organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee — will replace the usual festivities at the swearing-in ceremony, canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will pay tribute to “American heroes,” including workers on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.

Aretha Franklin sang at Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, while Beyonce performed at his second four years later.

Trump had to settle for less well-known artists in 2017 due to his unpopularity in the entertainment world. Country singer Toby Keith headlined the event.