Posted by In a poignant moment of celebration, Common and John Legend took the stage to deliver a powerful performance of their Academy Award-winning song “Glory” at the Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony in Chicago. The event, held on June 18, 2026, marked the official dedication of the 19-acre campus located in the city’s Jackson Park neighborhood.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama hosted the star-studded event, which featured a diverse lineup of musical icons including Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder.
The musical tribute began with John Legend performing a soulful rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” at the piano. He was soon joined by Common and the United Voice of Chicago choir for a stirring performance of “Glory,” the anthem originally written for the 2014 film Selma. As the performance reached its climax, Common declared, “The Obama Center is for the glory,” before the duo stood in solidarity, raising their fists to the crowd.
The evening concluded with an all-star ensemble—including Common, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, and The Roots—joining Stevie Wonder for a soaring rendition of “Higher Ground.” During the performance, Common delivered a spirited freestyle, honoring the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, and the evening’s guest of honor, Barack Obama, while acknowledging the presence of former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush.
The Obama Presidential Center is set to open to the public on June 19. While initial tickets are currently sold out, those interested in future visits can monitor Obama.org for updates on ticket availability and upcoming programming.