After much anticipation and conjecture, the line-up for Donald Trump's grand inaugural festivities on Monday, January 20th, has been unveiled with a flourish. The legendary 1970s hit-makers, Village People, will take the stage at two inaugural galas, while the country music sensation Carrie Underwood will lend her voice to a soulful rendition of 'America the Beautiful' at the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.
The American disco icons, Village People, who garnered fame in the late-70s with their catchy dance-pop tunes and vibrant on-stage personas, are set to perform. Their signature hit, 'Y.M.C.A.', widely embraced as an anthem of the LGBTQ+ community despite certain band members' claims to the contrary, along with 'Macho Man', were staples at Trump's rallies during the last electoral cycle. Village People will entertain crowds at one of Trump's inaugural balls and a rally held in Washington D.C. the day preceding his official oath.
"We understand that our decision may not resonate with everyone, but we firmly believe that music transcends politics," the band posted on their Facebook page. "Our song 'Y.M.C.A.' stands as a global anthem that can potentially unite our nation after a contentious and divisive campaign season where our preferred candidate did not secure victory. Hence, we feel it's imperative to foster unity through music, which is why Village People will be featured at various events marking the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."
As for Underwood, whose career soared after her American Idol debut, she will grace the stage shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the US Capitol on January 20th. "I cherish our country and am deeply honored to have been invited to sing at the Inauguration, playing a minor yet significant role in this historic moment," Underwood expressed in a statement. "I am humbled to respond to this call amidst a time when unity and forward-looking optimism are paramount."
Joining Underwood on the inaugural roster are two of the president-elect's musical favorites: country crooner Lee Greenwood and opera virtuoso Christopher Macchio. Greenwood will perform as Trump steps out to take the oath, according to Trump's inaugural committee. Macchio, Trump's choice, will belt out the National Anthem to conclude the ceremony.
The grand spectacle associated with the inauguration of a fresh presidential term begins this weekend in Washington with a dazzling fireworks display at Trump's golf club in Sterling, Virginia. It continues with a rally reminiscent of campaign days in D.C., a poignant visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and glittery dinners preceding the former president's swearing-in to reclaim the Oval Office.
Trump's second inauguration is poised to be a stark contrast to the last presidential transition in the United States. Having refused to concede his 2020 defeat, Trump abstained from attending Democratic President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, which was still marked by visible remnants of the January 6, 2021, violent insurrection orchestrated by Trump's supporters.
