Before his first inauguration in 2017, Donald Trump was widely lampooned for failing to attract high-profile entertainment performers. Held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” featured anemic performances from post-grunge radio mainstays 3 Doors Down, pop-country archetype Toby Keith, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the classical crossover YouTube group known as The Piano Guys.
This time, Trump has managed to secure a hodgepodge of significantly more popular — if not exactly zeitgeist-defining — artists, who will perform at the inauguration today and the three balls (the Liberty Ball, the Starlight Ball and the Commander-in-Chief Ball), taking place on Monday.
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Carrie Underwood, country singer and former “American Idol”-winner, is the biggest catch for Trump. The eight-time Grammy winner is expected to perform “America the Beautiful” alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the Naval Academy Glee Club following the swearing in of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance at 11:30 a.m.
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During the swearing-in ceremony around 1 p.m., country singer and saxophonist Lee Greenwood will sing “God Bless the U.S.A.” The patriotic signature song, which was also performed at the 2017 inauguration, has been a staple at Republican rallies and conventions since Ronald Reagan was president. Last year, Greenwood made headlines when he teamed up with Trump to launch the “God Bless the USA Bible,” which supporters can buy for $59.99.
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The Village People — yes, the Village People! — a campy disco group, known for their goofy lyrics and problematic costumes, performed their hit song “Y.M.C.A.” on stage with Trump on Sunday — assless chaps, Native American headdresses and all — and are expected to perform at the Liberty Ball on Monday evening. “Y.M.C.A.” has become another staple at Trump rallies — you’ve likely seen the President-elect’s awkward, jerky dance moves, which first went viral during his 2020 election campaign. Since then, the “Trump” dance has been embraced by Trump supporters, frat boys and several pro athletes, including San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa and U.S. men’s soccer team captain Christian Pulisic.
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Over the decades, the 1978 hit has been embraced by the gay community. However, according to Victor Willis, the band’s litigious lead singer (and only remaining original member) has insisted the song is not a “gay anthem.” In fact, he recently stated that he will take legal action against anyone who suggests it is.
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Country singer Jason Aldean, whose 2023 hit “Try That in a Small Town” became a MAGA anthem, will also perform at the Liberty Ball, according to Axios. Outside of country music circles, the song became notorious for its music video, which was pulled from rotation on Country Music Television after critics described it as racist and “pro-lynching.”
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St. Louis rapper Nelly, best-known for his 2002 hit “Hot in Herre,” will perform at the Liberty Ball on Monday evening. Nelly was heavily criticized by fans on social media for agreeing to perform. He responded that his decision was not political: “It is an honour for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”
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Snoop Dogg appeared at the Inaugural Crypto Ball — an event hosted by crypto executives celebrating Trump’s inauguration — on Friday, where he performed alongside rappers Rick Ross and Soulja Boy.
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The West Coast rapper and G-funk legend, who has had an up-and-down relationship with President Trump, faced backlash for his decision to perform. Fans highlighted the fact that, in 2017, the rapper said he would roast any Black artist that performed at Trump’s first inauguration, calling anyone who did an “Uncle Tom.”
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In addition to the Village People, other performers at Sunday’s “victory rally” included Kid Rock, the country-rock singer and long-time Trump supporter, and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
