Donald Trump will be officially inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States on Monday 20 January. The pomp-filled celebration is kicking off this weekend with many celebrities performing.
Trump's inaugural weekend will start with a fireworks show at his golf club in Sterling (Virginia), a campaign-style rally in Washington DC, a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and candlelight dinners before he takes the oath to become the American President again.
This inauguration is expected to be very different from the previous one; while Trump struggled to attract high-profile performers in 2017, several stars have confirmed they will perform this time around.
'Spirit of unity'
Popular country singer Carrie Underwood will perform at the inauguration ceremony, according to US media. The Village People – whose song 'Y.M.C.A.' is a Trump rally staple – will perform at multiple inaugural events, including Sunday’s "victory rally."
Underwood will sing 'America the Beautiful,' she told People Magazine. "I love our country and I am honoured to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event. I feel humbled to answer the call at a time when we all need to come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."
She will perform on 20 January at the US Capitol, shortly before Trump takes the official oath of office. In the past, Underwood has not made any statements on political issues or openly expressed her support for certain politicians.
US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during Turning Point's annual AmericaFest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 22, 2024. Credit: Belga / AFP
By performing at Trump's inauguration, the Village People also stressed that they wanted to underline the unifying power of music. "We know this won't make some of you happy to hear but we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics."
"Our song 'Y.M.C.A.' is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost," lead singer Victor Willis said on Facebook. For decades, 'Y.M.C.A.' has been considered an unofficial anthem of the LGBTQ community, but Willis previously rejected that label.
During his campaign, Trump played 'Y.M.C.A.' and 'Macho Man' at almost all his events. The Village People initially disapproved of the fact that the songs were used without their consent and in a political context, but later refrained from direct criticism.
The band is also expected to perform at one of Trump's inaugural balls and a rally he is holding in Washington the day before he is sworn in, US media report.
Who else?
Other performers at the ceremony will include country singer Lee Greenwood (whose song 'God Bless The USA' is also played at nearly all of Trump's rallies) during the swearing-in ceremony, according to the Associated Press.
Several other country music acts are reportedly scheduled to perform as well, including Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts at Trump's inaugural ball on Monday, and Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus at the "victory rally."
Lastly, opera singer Christopher Macchio, who has performed at several Republican events (including Trump’s controversial 2024 Madison Square Garden rally), will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration, his management confirmed to multiple news outlets.
