Aretha's bow hat makes subdued appearance at inauguration

Katy Perry tweeted a picture Monday morning: “Big inauguration, tiny Aretha hat.” Franklin wore the real thing in 2009, and it hasn’t been forgotten. (Ron Edmonds / Associated Press)

The Queen of Soul may not have sung Monday at President Barack Obama 's second inauguration, but Aretha Franklin 's famous hat made a repeat appearance.

A miniature version of Franklin's gray-bowed creation was spotted with singers John Mayer and Katy Perry , who sang at the Kids' Inaugural Concert on Saturday. Before the festivities were under way, the fun-loving pop stars were caught on C-SPAN cameras from their inauguration seats snapping pics with the mini-version of the hat Franklin wore while performing at Obama's first inauguration in 2009.

Perry tweeted a picture Monday morning: "Big inauguration, tiny Aretha hat."

Franklin sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" in 2009, and the blogosphere lit up with commentary about her big "church lady" hat embellished with 10 dozen Swarovski crystals. Made in Detroit by designer Luke Song under the Mr. Song Millinery label, the designer became an instant celebrity himself after his longtime client donned his creation at the occasion watched the world over.

This year, it was Kelly Clarkson who sang "My Country" and Beyoncé headlined with the national anthem. Both were hatless.