Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesEven after a weekend full of events, a swearing-in ceremony that lasted for hours and a formal inaugural ball, there was still time for one more party at the White House.
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, kept celebrating the official start to his second term until 2 a.m. this morning with about 300 VIP revelers dancing and enjoying a dessert buffet at a black-tie afterparty.
Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Kerry Washington, Katy Perry and John Mayer, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Eva Longoria, Ashley Judd, Gayle King, Brad Paisley, Usher and talent-agency powerhouse Ari Emmanuel (also brother of former Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel) hobnobbed with Beltway heavies like Bill Clinton (no Hillary tonight), Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright.
DJ Cassidy kept the dance floor bumpin' and Eric Benet and Janelle Monae both serenaded the crowd.
"Just left the White House. All other parties from here on out will be judged unless they take place at the White House," Perry tweeted upon party's end.
"Just partied at the White House ....I kid you not, Michelle Obama stood up and got the party started ....seriously cool First Lady :)" noted Clarkson, who had also posted a pic of her and fiancé Brandon Blackstock in their "'fancy' attire."