President Trump’s Inauguration to Include Gavin DeGraw and More, Drawing Fan Backlash – Hollywood Reporter
Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSubscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterIn addition to DeGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Village People, Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts, among others, are set to perform at various Washington, D.C., venues.
By
Chris Gardner
The inauguration festivities for President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance are taking shape as the (near) final roster of events, performers and participants has been unveiled by the committee.
Carrie Underwood, confirmed earlier this week to sing “America the Beautiful” in a move that surprised some fans, will have plenty of company from the country music world when she arrives in Washington, D.C. Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood, Parker McCollum and Rascal Flatts are booked to hit the stage, either at one of three official inaugural balls or the Make America Great Again Victory Rally. (There are a number of unofficial balls and inauguration events in and around D.C. this weekend.)
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Gavin DeGraw, whose work has straddled pop, rock and country and who is perhaps best known for hits off his album Chariot like the One Tree Hill anthem “I Don’t Want to Be,” will perform at the Starlight Ball. The Monday event will also feature remarks by President Trump. News of DeGraw’s participation was met by criticism from a portion of his fan base, so much so that his name was a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The Village People addressed their fans directly in revealing they would participate in the inauguration. The band, whose classic hit “Y.M.C.A.” has long been an anthem of the LGBTQ community and a favorite of Trump’s used at countless rallies and events, posted a statement Monday. “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear, however, we believe the music is to be performed without regard to politics,” the band shared on Facebook. The group is booked for two events including the MAGA Victory Rally and the Liberty Ball. “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.” (The mention references their support for defeated Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris.)
Other names are perhaps less surprising, like Kid Rock, who has been a longtime supporter of Trump’s. Greenwood became a familiar face on Trump’s campaign trail by performing “God Bless the USA” at multiple events. Of his imminent trip to D.C., the veteran singer said he “just can’t wait” to take the stage at the U.S. Capitol and perform live with the United States Marine Corps band before the president takes his oath. “Americans obviously loves him with the way he was elected,” Greenwood told Fox & Friends.
“The 60th Inauguration will herald President Trump’s triumphant return to the White House and the start of the great American comeback. These special events will honor the rich history and tradition of our great nation, the American people, and the promise our country holds for future generations. We look forward to celebrating with all of you in Washington, DC — and ushering in a new golden era of strength, success and common sense in the Oval Office,” said the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee co-chairs, Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, in a joint statement.
The full schedule can be seen below.
• The President’s Reception and FireworksTrump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia
• Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s Dinner
• Arlington National Cemetery CeremonyWreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Make America Great Again Victory RallyCapital One Arena, Washington D.C.President Trump to deliver remarks. Performers include Kid Rock, The Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, Liberty University’s Praise Choir and Lee Greenwood.
• Candlelight DinnerPresident Trump to deliver remarks.
• St. John’s Church Service
• Tea serviceThe White House
• Swearing-In CeremonyUnited States CapitolPerformers include Carrie Underwood, who will sing “America the Beautiful,” American tenor Christopher Macchio, who will perform the National Anthem, and Grammy winner Greenwood, who will sing “God Bless the USA.” All living presidents are expected to be in attendance including Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
• Farewell to the Former President and Vice PresidentPresident Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in attendance.
•U.S. Capitol Departure Ceremony
• The President’s Signing Room Ceremony
• JCCIC Congressional Luncheon
• The President’s Review of the Troops
• Presidential ParadePennsylvania Avenue
• Oval Office Signing CeremonyThe White House
• Commander-in-Chief BallPresident Trump to deliver remarks. Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum to perform.
• Liberty Inaugural BallHyatt Regency Capitol HillPresident Trump to deliver remarks. Performers include Jason Aldean, the Village People and a “surprise musical guest.”
• Starlight BallPresident Trump to deliver remarks. Gavin DeGraw is booked to perform.
• National Prayer ServiceSign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySubscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSend us a tip using our anonymous form.
