Country music singer Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, while the Village People – behind one of Trump’s favorite hits “Y.M.C.A.” – have shifted their stance to perform at multiple pre-inauguration events. In contrast to his 2017 inauguration, which struggled to attract high-profile performers.
Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” shortly before Trump takes the oath of office, while the Village People will perform at several events, including a “victory rally” scheduled for Sunday and an inaugural eve ball held on January 19. Country singer Lee Greenwood will also perform during the swearing-in ceremony, according to the Associated Press.
Other country music acts, such as Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts, are scheduled to perform at Trump’s inaugural ball on Monday, while Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus will perform at the “victory rally”. Opera singer Christopher Macchio will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration.
Snoop Dogg is expected to perform at the “Inaugural Crypto Ball” on January 17, while country singer Gavin DeGraw will perform at the Starlight Ball on Monday. The Commander-in-Chief Ball will feature a performance from Parker McCollum.
Underwood and Village People have stressed the need for unity in their statements about their upcoming performances. Underwood said she was “humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Trump’s history with “Y.M.C.A.” dates back to his 2020 presidential campaign, where he used the song at rallies. The Village People have had mixed feelings about this usage, but seem to be shifting their stance after previously demanding Trump stop using the song.
Trump’s inauguration is expected to be more star-studded than his first one, with past performers including Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/01/16/all-the-big-performers-at-trumps-inauguration-events-carrie-underwood-village-people-gavin-degraw-and-more