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Star-Studded Surprise: Obama's Presidential Center Leaves Everyone Talking!

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The stars aligned to celebrate the opening ceremony of former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center.

Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry, Bruce Springsteen and Oprah Winfrey were among the A-listers in attendance at the event in Chicago on Thursday.

Aguilera, along with Springsteen, Wonder and John Legend, performed at the high-profile event, with former President Bill Clinton, his wife, Hilary Clinton and Valerie Jarrett watching from the audience.

Several celebrities came together to celebrate the opening ceremony of former President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center in Chicago. (Seen above: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton). VICTOR HILITSKI/EPA/Shutterstock

Christina Aguilera performing at the Barack Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony.

Christina Aguilera (seen above) was one of the performers. Getty Images

Tom Hanks attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

Tom Hanks was in attendance. Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey attending the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

Oprah Winfrey also made an appearance. Getty Images

Pearl Jam singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder, rapper Common, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Hudson also brought the crowd to their feet with special performances.

Former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared in good spirits while sitting with fellow attendees.

Karlie Kloss, who is married to Joshua Kushner, beamed while standing alongside New York Times bestselling author Derek Blasberg.

John Legend performs at a piano.

John Legend performed. REUTERS

Common performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

Common also entertained the audience. Getty Images

Tyler Perry speaks with U.S. Representative James Clyburn at a dedication ceremony for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Tyler Perry was among the selected guests. REUTERS

Derek Blasberg waves while Karlie Kloss grins at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony.

Derek Blasberg and Karlie Kloss were all smiles. REUTERS

Additionally, Michelle and Barack’s daughters, Sasha and Malia, also joined the festivities and appeared at the main stage with their famous parents.

The family of four watched the ceremony from behind bulletproof glass.

Despite several former presidents attending the ceremony, President Donald Trump was notably not present.

Eddie Vedder performing with Guitars Over Guns at the dedication ceremony for the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

Eddie Vedder put on a show-stopping performance. Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson performs during the opening ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Jennifer Hudson also attended and sang. VICTOR HILITSKI/EPA/Shutterstock

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center.

Former President Bill Clinton was seen with his wife, Hilary Clinton. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Former President George W. Bush gives former first lady Michelle Obama mints, while former President Bill Clinton smiles in the background, at the Obama Center dedication.

Michelle Obama posed with former President George W. Bush. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/UPI/Shutterstock

Attendance was limited at the invite-only event. However, thousands gathered at the nearby Midway Plaisance city park for a watch party.

The Obama Center is a 19-acre campus located in the historic Jackson Park on the state’s south side.

The expansive campus features a museum of democracy, a library, a Women’s Garden to honor female leaders in the state, a mini lake with a path known as the Wetland Walk, and an NBA regulation-size court.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, and Sasha Obama clap and cheer.

Malia Obama and Sasha Obama (seen above with their parents) supported their father at the star-studded event. Getty Images

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, speaks at a podium with "OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER" inscribed on it.

Valerie Jarrett spoke at the dedication ceremony. REUTERS

Former U.S. President Joe Biden and Former first lady Jill Biden look on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois

Joe Biden and Jill Biden sat with former presidents. Getty Images

Additional immersive experiences at the site include the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, where guests can learn how to grow their own food, a playground, and a massive 58,000 square foot lawn for picnics and lounging.

There is also a performing arts building known as The Forum, where performances will be hosted at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, and the creative community can gather at the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium.

The highly anticipated $850 million campus will open on Friday, Juneteenth, after being in the works for more than a decade.