Bruce Springsteen opens concert after US election win by Donald Trump with 'fighting prayer' for US

Bruce Springsteen kicked off his concert with what he termed a "fighting prayer" for the US, in the wake of the election results. The iconic musician had previously thrown his support behind Kamala Harris for president, branding Donald Trump "the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime" in a social media video.

In that same video, Springsteen condemned Trump's "disdain for the sanctity of our constitution, the sanctity of democracy, the sanctity of the rule of law and the sanctity of the peaceful transfer of power" stating these should disqualify him from the presidency.

Following the election outcome, Springsteen took to the stage in Toronto, Canada, declaring: "This is a fighting prayer for my country" before belting out his 2007 song, Long Walk Home, as seen in videos shared on social media. The track, from his 'Magic' album, touches on themes of women and freedom. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

He continued the show with 'Land Of Hope And Dreams' from 2001, a song often hailed as an anthem celebrating America. Springsteen also made an apology for starting the concert over an hour late, attributing the delay to "plane trouble" and explaining, "We had to sit on our arses for hours and wait for another one."

In related news, TV personality Jay Leno weighed in on the election during his appearance on 'The Talk', calling it "fair" and "honest". "Okay, I was not a fan, but that’s okay," he remarked. "There was no cheating. Everybody said it was honest. It’s a great day for democracy."

Many celebrities were visibly upset by the election outcome, among them Ariana Grande and Oscar-winning artist Billie Eilish. Grande shared her emotions with her Instagram followers, saying: "Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of the outcome today," while Eilish expressed her dismay quite straightforwardly: "It’s a war on women," having been a prominent supporter of Ms Harris's presidential campaign.

The historical attempt by a woman of colour to reach the White House drew comments from Cardi B, who despite Ms Harris's defeat, expressed her pride, saying she was "so proud" of Ms Harris. Jamie Lee Curtis of 'Freaky Friday' fame urged people to "wake up and fight" in light of the results.

On social media, the Oscar winner observed: "So the results are in. Many will be celebrating, possibly even gloating over their victory. Many will be stunned and sad with the terrible feelings of the loss." She underscored the bitter-sweet nature of democracy: "That is the same result despite who wins because that’s what America and democracy looks like. Has always looked like."

In contrast, Jeff Bezos, Amazon's executive chairman, was among those extending congratulations to Mr Trump. In his message to an unspecified recipient, he stated: "Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th president on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory."

Mr Trump's win symbolised a remarkable turnaround for someone who has been through felony convictions and survived two attempts on his life.

He also incited a violent insurrection at the US Capitol when he refused to accept defeat four years ago. Ms Harris, who made history as the first female vice president in the US, graciously called him to concede the race and extend her congratulations following the election results.