Big news in the country music world—our girl Carrie Underwood is set to perform at the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. She’s slated to sing “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Carrie was excited, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” per The Associated Press. She also emphasized the importance of unity, urging everyone to “come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
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But that’s not all! The iconic disco group Village People will also be performing at multiple inaugural events, including an inaugural ball and a campaign-style rally in Washington, D.C. You might remember their hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” which became unexpected anthems during Trump’s campaign. The band’s frontman, Victor Willis, mentioned that while their preferred candidate didn’t win, they believe music should transcend politics and help unite the country.
Other performers include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera vocalist Christopher Macchio. Greenwood, known for “God Bless the U.S.A.,” is the president-elect’s favorite, and Macchio is set to perform the National Anthem at the inauguration.
The inauguration festivities start with a reception and fireworks display at Trump’s golf club in Sterling, Virginia, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. On January 19, a “MAGA Victory” rally is planned, featuring performances by the Village People. The main event on January 20 includes the swearing-in ceremony, a parade, and three inaugural balls.
Carrie Underwood has long been known for her ability to captivate audiences without intertwining her music with political messaging. Throughout her career, the country music star has focused on universal themes like love, resilience, and personal growth, steering clear of divisive topics. Her neutral stance has allowed her to maintain a broad fan base across diverse demographics, even as other artists have faced criticism for politicizing their work.
However, Underwood’s decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration marks a notable shift. While many artists declined invitations to the event, citing political disagreements, Underwood’s acceptance could signal a willingness to enter a politically charged spotlight. Critics argue the move aligns her, intentionally or not, with Trump’s agenda. Others see it as an apolitical performance, consistent with her focus on entertaining without endorsing specific ideologies. The performance has sparked debate about whether Underwood’s neutrality can withstand this high-profile decision.
Other Presidential Inauguration Performances
The Carrie Underwood-led performance isn’t the only musical performance for the new presidential term.
According to Time, the iconic American disco group the Village People rose to fame in the late ‘70s with their chant-along dance hits and bold, theatrical personas. Known for anthems like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” their music has become synonymous with high-energy celebrations. Interestingly, these tracks gained a surprising political twist when they became staples at Donald Trump’s rallies during his last campaign.
The Village People are set to bring their legendary energy to one of Trump’s inaugural balls and a rally in Washington the day before his swearing-in. Joining the festivities are country music favorite Lee Greenwood, known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and opera singer Christopher Macchio, rounding out a lineup that reflects the former president’s diverse musical tastes.
However, the Village People addressed the controversy surrounding their performance on their Facebook page. “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,” the band said. “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. Therefore, we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.”
The inauguration weekend starts with a series of events steeped in tradition and spectacle. A fireworks display at Trump’s golf club in Sterling, Virginia, will set the tone, followed by a campaign-style rally in D.C., a solemn visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and a slate of glitzy dinners. On Inauguration Day, the schedule includes tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, and the iconic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
The celebrations culminate with three inaugural balls, each catering to different audiences. The Commander in Chief Ball honors military service members, the Liberty Inaugural Ball focuses on Trump supporters with the Village People headlining, and the Starlight Ball celebrates high-dollar donors. Trump is slated to speak at all three, ensuring his supporters are part of the historic day.
Whether you’re a fan of disco or country or simply intrigued by the intersection of music and politics, this inauguration promises to deliver a show like no other.
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