Carrie Underwood is taking the stage for the United States’ biggest event of the year next week. On January 20, the country singer will perform ‘America the Beautiful’ before Donald Trump becomes the 47th president of the country. Despite mixed reactions to her accepting the inauguration gig, Carrie has seemingly shared no regrets about the “honor.”
According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump’s team has booked Village People to perform at two inaugural events. The 1970s group is most known for popular songs like ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and ‘Macho Man.’
Celebrities expected to attend the Legacy of Freedom Ball on Sunday include rappers Waka Flocka and Fivio Foreign, YouTube personality Anton Daniels, former NFL player Antonio Brown, podcasters and YouTubers The Cartier Family.
Carrie Underwood & Village People React To Inauguration Bookings
Carrie Underwood, who launched her career on ‘American Idol,’ will sing the traditional tune before Trump takes the presidential oath at the U.S. Capitol. AP reviewed a copy of the inaugural program on Monday (January 13). In a statement, Carrie stood ten toes on being chosen by the new administration.
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Like Carrie, Village People have seemingly defended their decision to perform in support of the incoming Trump administration. They’re booked for an inaugural ball and a rally the day before Donald becomes president for a second time.
“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 in a post on its Facebook page Monday. “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.”
Other inauguration ceremony performers will include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.
Explained: Donald Trump’s Week Before His Big Day
For four days leading up to Monday, there will be events honoring President-elect Donald.
“President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda,” Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, the co-chairs of the inaugural committee, said in a statement.
Witkoff and Loeffler added that the inaugural celebrations will reflect Trump’s “historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again.”
On Saturday, Trump will attend a reception and fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. Separately, Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend a reception for the incoming Cabinet members and host a dinner.
On Sunday, the president-elect will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and then hold a campaign-style ‘MAGA Victory’ rally at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The Village People will perform at the rally.
The Republican’s Inauguration Day plans include tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, and a trio of balls.
The inaugural balls include a Commander in Chief Ball focused on military service members, a Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters that will feature a Village People performance, and the Starlight Ball, focused on high-dollar donors. Trump is scheduled to speak at all three balls.
The presidential parade after Trump is sworn in will include about 7,500 participants, including first responders, veterans groups, and school marching bands. First responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, will be among the groups participating.
Also, despite Trump’s absence at Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in 2020, Biden will be at the 2025 inauguration.
Tuesday, Trump’s first full day as the 47th president, will include a National Prayer Service in the morning.
