Title: Topline: Inaugural Performers for President-elect Trump's Second Term
Title: Top Acts at Trump's Inauguration Gala: Carrie Underwood, Village People, and More Stars Shine
Get ready for a musical extravaganza! Country music singer Carrie Underwood will grace the stage at the U.S. Capitol, singing "America the Beautiful" during President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 20XX. This performance comes as a significant shift from the 2017 inauguration, which struggled to attract high-profile artists.
Among the notable acts set to perform at pre-inaugural events is the iconic band, The Village People. Known for their hit song "Y.M.C.A.," which became a staple at Trump rallies, the group announced they would be performing at multiple events. This includes a 'victory rally' scheduled for Sunday and an inaugural eve ball, hosted by conservative political organization Turning Point USA.
Another country staple, Lee Greenwood, whose song "God Bless The U.S.A." is often heard at Trump rallies, will perform during the swearing-in ceremony.
According to the Associated Press, Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts are set to perform at Trump's inaugural ball on Monday, along with Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus at the 'victory rally.'
Opera singer Christopher Macchio, known for performing at several Republican events, will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration.
Rapper Snoop Dogg is expected to perform at the "Inaugural Crypto Ball" on January 17 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
Country singer Gavin DeGraw will perform at the Starlight Ball on Monday, a performance Trump is expected to attend.
The Commander-in-Chief Ball, taking place Monday with remarks from Trump, will feature a performance from country singer Parker McCollum.
Rapper Nelly will reportedly perform at Monday's Liberty Inaugural Ball, at which Trump is expected to deliver remarks.
Motivations behind his Choices
Both Underwood and The Village People emphasized the importance of unity in their statements regarding 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."
In a Facebook post, The Village People acknowledged that their performances might not please all of their fans but believed music should transcend politics. They acknowledged their "preferred candidate lost," but they hoped their song "Y.M.C.A." could bring the country together after a heated campaign.
A History of "Y.M.C.A." and Trump
Throughout his 2020 and 20XX campaigns, Trump has made use of The Village People's "Y.M.C.A." at his rallies. The group's founder, Victor Willis, initially expressed outrage, demanding that Trump stop using the song, citing the then-president's promise to use military force to break up protests following the police killing of George Floyd.
Three months later, however, Willis' spokesperson said he would not sue Trump out of spite, as he was not a 'Trump hater.' In May 20XX, Willis' wife, Karen Willis (also the band's manager), sent a cease-and-desist letter, claiming a Mar-a-Lago performance of "Y.M.C.A." by performers dressed as the Village People was misleading, implying that the band had endorsed Trump.
In October 20XX, Victor Willis reversed his position, stating he had once opposed Trump's use of the song but decided he was wrong because the renewed attention had greatly benefited the song's popularity.
During his rallies, Trump would often perform the "Trump dance" during "Y.M.C.A.," a simple movement popularized among athletes to celebrate victories, including NFL player Nick Bosa and U.S. men's soccer team captain Christian Pulisic.
Public Perception and Past Inaugurations
Trump's second inauguration is projected to be more star-studded than his first, which struggled to attract high-profile performers. The 2017 inauguration featured a 16-year-old Jackie Evancho, who sang the National Anthem, despite her team pressing her to perform despite having a "bad gut feeling" and criticizing Trump's transgender rights policies.
In contrast, past inaugurations have seen performances from renowned artists such as Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks, and Jennifer Lopez at the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden and Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson at former President Barack Obama's 2013 inauguration.
After sharing the stage with Carrie Underwood at the inauguration, Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts are scheduled to perform at Donald Trump's inaugural ball. Known for their hit song "Y.M.C.A.", The Village People, including their founder Victor Willis, have had a complicated history with Trump's use of their music at his rallies. Despite initially expressing outrage, Willis later reversed his position, acknowledging the renewed popularity of the song due to Trump's rallies.
