Richard Blanco, official poet of the inauguration, made an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign's Out for Equality inaugural celebration at the Mayflower hotel Monday night.

"My quest has always been about finding my cultural negotiation, and I don't think I've ever felt so powerfully American, and really understood America, until that very moment," Blanco said of being able to recite his poem "One Today" at Monday's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony.

"The Help's" Viola Davis was the party's surprise guest, and she introduced Cyndi Lauper, who performed her hits "Time After Time" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

E! News' Ross Mathews emceed the ball, which featured performances from Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Will Swenson.