Carrie Underwood and Village People to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Posted On January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

With Donald Trump’s inauguration set to take place on January 20th, country singer Carrie Underwood and novelty act Village People have been confirmed to provide entertainment for the event.

During his presidential campaign, Trump had a hard time finding music to use due to complaints from musicians. Countless artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, the estates of Leonard Cohen, Sinead O’Connor, Prince, and more, released statements demanding that the politician cease using their songs. The White Stripes even filed a lawsuit against Trump for his use of ‘Seven Nation Army’ but have since withdrawn it since his election win.

Therefore, finding performers for his inauguration event was not going to be straightforward for the divisive politician. Now, ahead of the event on January 20th, 2025, it has been revealed that Carrie Underwood will be singing a rendition of ‘America The Beautiful’ at the ceremony.

Another name booked to perform is the Village People, who have had a conflicting relationship with Trump. In 2020, the band’s frontman, Victor Willis, asked the politician to stop using their music for his campaigns and even sent a cease and desist letter.

However, in 2024, he allowed Trump to use ‘Y.M.C.A’, purely for their own gain as he said, “Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.’ has greatly benefited the song. For example, when Trump started using ‘Y.M.C.A’, the song shot back up to number two on Billboard’s digital chart.”

In a statement issued to social media, Willis made it clear that their conflicting thoughts on Trump remain despite their agreement to perform. “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear however, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” he wrote on Facebook, adding, “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.”

More performers are expected to be announced in the coming days ahead of the inauguration on January 20th.

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