It is no secret that this year's presidential inauguration has taken on a very different aspect. Due to a coronavirus outbreak, both the swearing-in ceremony and the parade that followed were held without spectators. Adding to the eeriness of the day was the deployment of the National Guard to Washington in response to the siege on Capitol Hill two weeks ago today. Even the outgoing president chose to boycott the event, adding a cherry on top of an already bizarre event.

In previous years, the president, vice president, and lavish guests would gather for an inaugural ball to celebrate the new occupant of the White House. This year, however, no ball will be held due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Tony Allen, chief executive of the inaugural committee, told The Washington Post, "We definitely want to honor the grand and extensive tradition of the inauguration," adding, "But we also want to be sensitive to the reality of the moment."

In other words, you missed the President and First Lady dancing, cameos by the First Family, and a look at the administration's famous friends and supporters. Personally, I am saddened by the absence of Michelle Obama at tonight's event. After today's stunning purple outfit (opens in new tab), one can only imagine the power of the gown she would have worn tonight.

Instead, a celebratory concert was hosted by Tom Hanks this evening. Live moments from the Lincoln Memorial, including a performance by Bruce Springsteen and a speech by the President-elect, were pieced together with pre-recorded messages from military personnel, key workers, and public figures. John Legend, Demi Lovato, and Bon Jovi also performed.