Country music star Carrie Underwood is set to perform America the Beautiful at US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20. A program shared by a spokesperson for the presidential inaugural committee lists Underwood as one of the performers.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Underwood, who rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005, has largely stayed out of politics throughout her career. Since her breakthrough, she has topped music charts and earned several Grammy Awards for her work.
Trump, the Republican former president, won the November 5 US election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris.
During his campaign, Trump faced backlash from multiple artists who objected to the use of their music at his events. Artists such as Beyoncé and Celine Dion requested that Trump stop using their songs. This was not the first time musicians expressed their displeasure; in 2016, Neil Young and Guns N’ Roses were among those who asked Trump to refrain from using their music during his previous campaign.
However, some artists voiced their support for Trump, including Waka Flocka Flame and country singers Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus, father of Miley Cyrus, among others.
Trump’s Inauguration 2025: Who is performing?
Following Carrie Underwood’s performance, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to Donald Trump, as outlined in the inauguration plans.
Underwood is set to perform America the Beautiful at the January 20 event, accompanied by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
The ’70s disco group Village People, known for their iconic hits like Y.M.C.A. and Macho Man, will also take part in the festivities. They are scheduled to perform at one of Trump’s inaugural balls as well as a rally in Washington the day before the inauguration.
On Monday, Village People addressed their involvement in a statement on Facebook. “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 stated. “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.”
Additional performances during Trump’s inauguration festivities will feature the Greenwood Band and opera singer Christopher Macchio, adding to the celebratory lineup.
