Sir Paul McCartney invited the Jonas Brothers to perform with him at the White House, to play for President Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha. The former beatle said that “I know my six-year-old and the kids in her class are more likely to be excited by the Jonas guys”, and added he is “a very big fan” of President Obama. “His wife is beautiful and smart. I like the way they raise their kids.”
McCartney also confessed that he had felt very nervous before the performance, which will be broadcast for the first time on US TV tonight. “I anticipated flocks of butterflies. It’s the White House, a small room – talk about the whites of their eyes” but added “after getting the strength and enthusiasm to have a good, fun evening, the butterflies flew away”.
The show opened with a speech from President Obama, who said, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly half a century since four lads from Liverpool landed on our shores and changed everything overnight.” Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Faith Hill and the Jonas Brothers paid homage to McCartney and his well known songs. Wonder sang “We Can Work It Out,” Costello performed “Penny Lane,” Hill sang “The Long and Winding Road” and the Jonas Brothers did a rendition of “Drive My Car.”