Here are the celebrities expected to make an appearance at Trump's inauguration ceremony
Donald Trump will be sworn in as U.S. president today in Washington, D.C., beginning his second term. The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, creating a national holiday for the occasion.
Attendees can anticipate a day filled with pomp, pageantry, and entertainment. This year, Trump has attracted a notable lineup of celebrities, including Carrie Underwood, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and the Village People, marking a contrast to his first inauguration in 2017, which had fewer high-profile participants. According to Reuters, an estimated 500,000 guests are expected in total.
Stars and Celebrities
The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee had been discreet about its plans until just days before the inauguration. This follows a trend from previous inaugurations, which have included performances from stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and John Legend.
This year, American Idol star Carrie Underwood is arguably the biggest name on the lineup. The eight-time Grammy winner will perform "America the Beautiful" alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club shortly before Trump takes the oath of office.
Rapper Nelly is set to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball and has addressed criticism regarding his participation. He stated, "It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office."
Other rappers expected to attend inauguration events include Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and Fivio Foreign, as reported by NBC News, Sky News's UK partner.
This year's inauguration festivities feature a strong Country music presence, with acts including Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock, both of whom endorsed Trump in the 2024 election.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Richie, has been a longtime vocal supporter of the Republican Party and the president-elect. He will join Billy Ray Cyrus, 63, the father of pop star Miley Cyrus—who has been a vocal critic of Trump—at the 'Make America Great Again' Rally at Capital One Arena in Washington on Sunday.
Additionally, country singer Jason Aldean, renowned for his five Grammy nominations and his controversial song "Try That In A Small Town," which he dedicated to Trump after the attempt on his life in July, will perform at The Liberty Ball on Monday night. He'll be joined by singer and saxophonist Lee Greenwood and The Village People, along with a "surprise musical guest."
Classical singer Christopher Macchio will sing "Oh, America!" before the vice-presidential oath of office with JD Vance, and will close the ceremony with a rendition of the American National Anthem.
Victor Willis, frontman of the Village People, previously announced the band had accepted an invitation to perform at the inauguration, telling their fans in a post 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."
