'Technologically challenged' president lights Christmas tree

The First Family was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and his granddaughters Thursday night at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse of the White House.

Seated in a glass-walled booth on a stage with a glittery white snowflake backdrop with red lighting, the First and Second Families enjoyed A-list musical acts including American Idol's Jordin Sparks, Sheryl Crow, and Ray LaMontagne.

Before lighting the 18 foot tall blue spruce, Obama made brief remarks thanking participants and performers, including American Idol host Randy Jackson. "I told Sasha we're not on American Idol, so no singing," he joked.

"I'm technologically challenged and I might not get this right," said Obama, before asking his daughters, Sasha and Malia to come help light the tree. After a five second countdown, the lights went on without a hitch.

Among the highlights of the evening were Crow's version of "Jingle Bell Rock," Sparks' "I'll be Home for Christmas," and First Lady Michelle Obama's reading of "The Night before Christmas."

The only questionable element? The "soaring voices" of Celtic Woman, a five member band who appeared to be lip-synching, led by a violinist who also looked to be faking it.