Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and all the performers at Obama center opening

Some of the biggest names in music are gathering to commemorate the grand opening of the new Obama Presidential Center.

The ceremony on Thursday, June 18, in Chicago kicked off a weekend of celebration as the center, which cost $850 million and took five years to build, opens its doors to the public on Juneteenth.

Honoring Barack Obama, the nation's first Black president, the Obama Presidential Center sits on Chicago's South Side and features a soaring museum, a Chicago Public Library branch, an athletic center, a civic center, a playground and a vegetable garden reminiscent of the one former first lady Michelle Obama planted on the South Lawn.

As the star-studded attendees arrived, The Roots played a series of beloved songs, including "Change (Makes You Wanna Hustle)" by Donald Byrd, their own "You Got Me," "Get up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley and "Jungle Boogie" by Kool & The Gang.

Jennifer Hudson sings at Obama center opening

To formally begin the event, Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem, along with a cover of "To Dream the Impossible Dream." Offering her congratulations to Obama, Hudson told him, "Your legacy will continue to live on."

Christina Aguilera performs emotional cover song

Christina Aguilera followed with a cover of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."

Eddie Vedder spotlights young musicians from the community

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder took the stage next, joined by young members of the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns, ranging in age from 12 to 20. They performed "Better Believe," an original they wrote for the ceremony.

"President Obama was aware that I would be playing music with young musicians from the neighborhood, but when he heard we were writing an original piece, a song just for the occasion, he said that might be a lot of work," Vedder said. "And as usual, he was right. But it's been great work, and it's everything the center stands for. It's inclusivity, it's access to resources, it's mentorship and opportunity. So we thank you for this opportunity."

John Legend honors Chicago with performance

John Legend honored "Chicago's own" Donny Hathaway with a rendition of "Someday We'll All Be Free." Before moving onto a second song, the Grammy-winner paid tribute to Obama and the impact of his leadership.

"The first time I met President Obama, he was Sen. Obama. We met in his office almost 20 years ago, and he was contemplating running for president," Legend said. "I told him, 'You need anything from us, just let us know, we'll be glad to help out.' And help out we did. We were so grateful to be a part of this entire journey from the beginning, so grateful to see this beautiful facility here, honoring all the work that the Obamas did, but that all of us did together."

Legend then welcomed rapper Common to perform their song "Glory," with the help of the United Voices of Chicago choir.

U2's Bono and Edge customize lyrics for the Obama family

After a moving speech from Michelle Obama, U2's Bono and The Edge, joined by Jacknife Lee performed "City of Blinding Lights." At the end, Bono ad libbed lyrics for the occasion.

"Lucky we, in the company of Jacknife Lee, 46, 42 and 42," he sang, referring to the past presidents in attendance. "Civility. Hold tight to democracy, community, isn't she lovely, 44 and the family."

Bono also shared his awe at the center in a short speech, saying, "What a house. What a wonder."

"We're here representing the Irish in Chicago and all of the world," the Ireland native continued. "Thank you for the loan of your country. Some of us are not giving it back."

Tems takes the stage

Nigerian songstress Tems performed her hit single "Me & U." Before starting, she expressed her gratitude with a touching message.

"I'm so blessed and honored to be here," she said. "This one is to you, everyone in this room, to Mr. and Mrs.Obama, and to all the family."

Marc Anthony brings the crowd to their feet

Marc Anthony commanded the crowd with "Vivir Mi Vida," telling all the attendees "it's OK to dance" as they got out of their seats and moved to the music.

Bruce Springsteen puts on a heartwarming performance

Following powerful remarks from Obama himself, Bruce Springsteen sang "Land of Hope and Dreams" and delivered a speech dedicating the performance to the 44th president.

"I'm so glad to be here this afternoon for President Obama and Michelle, Malia and Sasha, you know how I love you all," Springsteen said. "Oh, what a glorious task we are given to continually strive to improve this great nation of ours. That was from President Obama's speech in Selma. President Obama and Michelle, you have exemplified that ideal with lives that have served us all with heart and commitment, love and compassion. This is 'Land of Hope and Dreams.' This is for you."

Stevie Wonder closes out the show

Called the moment "a perfect circle," Stevie Wonder sang his beloved "All I Do." He also told a story about how he came to know Obama and the importance of celebrating his impact.

"I want to share with you all something that you need to know. In 2004. I had the pleasure of having my friend Steve McKeever come to Wonderland Studios," Wonder recalled. "He said to me, 'There is someone named Barack Obama. He asked me to have you possibly come and do a performance as he's running for senator.' I said, 'Bring him down. Let's do it.' So he came down, Barack. I remember we sat in front of the studio in Wonderland, just talking, and we had some words to say. I think he said, 'Let me try to get Michelle on the phone.' It never happened, but we're talking."

He continued: "We kept talking, and he said, 'Yeah, I would love you to come.' I said, 'It would be my joy to come to support you. … But you know what, from talking to you in my spirit, because here I'm telling you something that's not political, but it's spiritual.' I said, 'In my spirit, I know that you're running to be senator, but I'm seeing you as being a president.'"

Wonder recalled saying, "'Let's pray on it.' And so we prayed on it, and now we see faith without fear, and faith living in truth, and understanding that the spirit is that we have to follow that spirit of positivity. Because I believed it, I knew it, I imagined it. Now, we are celebrating it.

"President Barack Obama, I want you to remember, all of you, never let fear put your dreams to sleep. Never," Wonder concluded.

Hudson, Aguilera, Legend, Common and Springsteen then came to the stage to close out the ceremony with Wonder's "Higher Ground," which featured an improvised rap about the Obamas by Common.