TV Moment of 2009: Obama's Inauguration ... and Aretha's Hat

As we near the end of 2009, we look back at the biggest moments on TV from this year. Our inaugural entry, as it were: The historic swearing-in of Barack Obama on Jan. 20 ... and the debut of the most talked-about hat of the year (if not the decade).

It was history in the making: An African-American became President of the United States. Over 37 million viewers -- including you, most likely -- watched the inauguration on CNN's live stream, according to Nielsen.

After cheers and tears (remember Stewart and Colbert choking up on election night?), it was time for Barack Obama to take the oath of office. In a stirring inaugural address, the new President pledged leadership that would "reaffirm our enduring spirit." Inauguration participants included cellist YoYo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and clergymen Joseph Lowery and Rick Warren; poet Elizabeth Alexander offered "Praise Song for the Day.'

And all these months later, one indelible image from this extraordinary event is still talked about: the Queen of Soul's hat.
As we near the end of 2009, we look back at the biggest moments on TV from this year. Our inaugural entry, as it were: The historic swearing-in of Barack Obama on Jan. 20 ... and the debut of the most talked-about hat of the year (if not the decade).

It was history in the making: An African-American became President of the United States. Over 37 million viewers -- including you, most likely -- watched the inauguration on CNN's live stream, according to Nielsen.

After cheers and tears (remember Stewart and Colbert choking up on election night?), it was time for Barack Obama to take the oath of office. In a stirring inaugural address, the new President pledged leadership that would "reaffirm our enduring spirit." Inauguration participants included cellist YoYo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and clergymen Joseph Lowery and Rick Warren; poet Elizabeth Alexander offered "Praise Song for the Day.'

And all these months later, one indelible image from this extraordinary event is still talked about: the Queen of Soul's hat.

To mark the day, Aretha Franklin belted out 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' in a performance that dazzled the senses. But, perhaps not all of them ... as your eyes may have been fixed on the top of Franklin's head.

Matching her lovely steel-gray winter coat was a pillbox top adorned with a bow as large as the crowd. Anyone hoping to spot celebrities in the stands (is that Denzel?! Sully?!) was thwarted by her towering bonnet -- Swarovski crystals accented the bow, looking like rivets from a distance. Was it a crown befitting American royalty? Or tie-in merchandise for granny fans of 'American Chopper'?

Whether you thought it was a fashion do or don't, Aretha's hat became a sensation. Churchgoing African-American women took note, as big hats are considered a proper part of every Sunday ... and a Facebook fan page was born.

Ms. Franklin soon returned to Detroit, which is also home to the chapeau's designer, milliner Luke Song. But the hat -- along with Obama, one of the true stars of that January day -- is now back in Washington, brightening up the staid Smithsonian.