Church at Bush inauguration

Charlotte Church sings for a US president for the second time

Welsh teenage soprano Charlotte Church was one of the star performers lining up to entertain US George W. Bush at his inauguration celebration.

It is the second time that the Cardiff-born schoolgirl has been singled out to perform by an American president.

The 15-year-old star performed Amazing Grace for Bill Clinton in June 1999, and later enjoyed tea at the White House.

Other VIP audiences have included the Queen, the Pope, Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Prince of Wales.

Charlotte - the presidents' choice

Church's songs have become huge hits in the States, and the American people have taken her to their hearts.

Her album Voice Of An Angel has sold two million copies worldwide and has made her the youngest ever solo artist to enter the American top 30 album chart.

She was signed by Sony in 1997 after she was spotted on a TV talent show.

Her appearance at the presidential show on Thursday helped kick off the festivities leading up to Mr Bush's inauguration on Saturday.

Mr Bush clearly enjoyed every minute of the event, smiling, flashing a thumbs up sign at entertainer Wayne Newton and promising to give the country "a fresh start."

Latin American singer Ricky Martin was at the event

Before laying claim to the presidency this weekend, Bush and his wife, Laura, as well as vice president-elect Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, mixed with celebrities including Latin American singer Ricky Martin.

There had been rumours that Irish rock star Van Morrison had been tipped to perform, but he issued an emphatic denial that he would be taking part - as did left-wing comic Ben Elton.

Composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber played one of the songs from his hit musical set in Northern Ireland, The Beautiful Game.