Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration is set to feature a star-studded lineup, with country music star Carrie Underwood among the performers.
Underwood, who gained fame on “American Idol,” is set to perform “America the Beautiful” just before Trump takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025. Expressing her pride in the nation, she said she was “honoured” to be part of the historic occasion, as reported by the Associated Press.
Fans had mixed reactions to the unexpected news, with some expressing support and others voicing disapproval. One reaction on X read, “When it comes to Carrie Underwood, disappointed but not surprised. Jesus take the wheel indeed.”
The Village People, known for their 1970s hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” which became a staple of Trump’s rallies in the last election, will perform at two of Trump’s inaugural events, including a ball and a rally. According to the Associated Press, the band has clarified that their performance is not meant to endorse any political agenda but to bring the country together through music.
Other performers at the event include Trump’s favourites—country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.
The inauguration celebrations
The inaugural will be a four-day affair, which is expected to be different from his first, with notable differences in guest lists and ceremonies.
On Saturday, Trump will attend a reception and a fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. At the same time, Vice President-elect JD Vance will host a reception for incoming Cabinet members and a dinner. These events mark the beginning of a series of celebrations leading up to the inauguration.
Sunday will see the president-elect take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes. Later in the day, he will hold a “MAGA Victory” rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, where the iconic Village People are set to perform.
Inauguration Day on January 20th will see a number of key events, including a traditional tea at the White House, followed by the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. Trump will then attend a congressional luncheon before leading a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
The inaugural celebrations will also feature three balls: the Commander in Chief Ball for military service members, the Liberty Inaugural Ball for Trump supporters (with a performance by the Village People), and the Starlight Ball, which will focus on high-dollar donors. Trump is expected to speak at all three balls.
The parade will include approximately 7,500 participants, including first responders, veterans groups, and school marching bands. First responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, will also be involved.
First Lady Melania Trump will join the Bidens for tea at the White House, a significant gesture after the 2021 inauguration, when the Trumps did not meet the Bidens before the ceremony.
