More often than not, after a long journey, folks realize that the ending is, in fact, just the beginning.

This sentiment is particularly true when it comes to freshman-U.S.-Senator-turned-Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama.

After two years of campaigning, which included an arduous battle against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic party's nomination, Obama will be sworn in as president on Tuesday.

But just as Obama is about to bask in the glow of his history-making achievement, his election-night speech continues to reverberate. Even though his win is a breakthrough for the nation, he said, "It is only the chance for us to make that change."

Usher, for one, agrees.

"If a dream is all about sight or hope, those words that Barack Obama gave us at the beginning of his campaign were all about this dream, this reality," the singer told MTV News on Sunday after the star-studded "We Are One" concert. "It only starts here. The mission's not over. Barack Obama's put the ball back in our courts." (Head here for what Ush had to say about meeting the president-elect. — and here to hear him talk about stealing Obama's candy bar!)

The entertainer said he thinks the country should become more service-minded as a way of fulfilling Obama's promise for change. Relying on government, Usher said, doesn't have to be the only option. The community at large can chip in and hopefully match Obama's efforts.

"We've elected an incredible president," Usher said. "Now we need to continue to encourage him and push him to keep all his promises."

Following Sunday's concert, Usher revealed that Obama shared a few words with some of the performers, particularly about using their art as a tool for inspiring hope.

"[Obama] encouraged us to continue to use our music as a vessel of greatness," Usher said. "Speak about the victories of life. Music has always been a universal language. And you choose to use it in the way that you feel.  Use it to convey emotions that are real to you. He just really wanted to say thank you. And he was really looking forward to a brighter tomorrow."

"Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural" will air live on MTV on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. MTV News will have wall-to-wall coverage of the event and of the scenes in Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Kenya in the days leading up to the event and in the days that follow.