Singer Carrie Underwood will perform at President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration ceremony next week, she said Monday.
“I love my country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” Ms. Underwood said in a statement Monday. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
Underwood, who debuted by winning ‘American Idol’ in 2005, will sing ‘America the Beautiful’ to the accompaniment of the Armed Forces Choir and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club. New York Times.
After she sings, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to President Trump.
Mr. Underwood’s agreement to perform will add star power to the event. Eight years ago, headline singers made it clear they would not be attending President Trump’s first inauguration for several days. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Elton John announced they would not appear, and the Rockettes were put in the public eye after it was announced that internal tensions within the dance company would unfold.
Various events and parties, including musical performances, will be held around the inauguration ceremony.
Victor Willis, the last surviving member of the Village People, announced on Facebook Monday that the group had accepted an invitation to participate in President Trump’s inauguration activities. President Trump made the Village People song “YMCA” his campaign theme song and played it at his rallies and campaign events.
Charlie Kirk, founder and president of the pro-Trump youth-focused group Turning Point USA, said on social media that the Village People would perform at the Turning Point Inauguration Eve Ball.
Mr Willis said on Facebook that the decision would not make some fans happy: “We believe music should be performed regardless of politics.” “Our song ‘YMCA’ is a global anthem that we hope will help bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign in which our preferred candidate lost.”
Maggie Haberman contributed to the report.
