Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as the 47th president has a surprising lineup of musical performances. Two unexpected names in the mix are country music star Carrie Underwood and the legendary disco group Village People, both of whom have had notable histories with Trump. Here’s a closer look at the event and its unique musical highlights.
Carrie Underwood and Village People to Perform
Country music singer Carrie Underwood is set to sing “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration ceremony. Known for her talent and usually neutral stance in politics, Underwood has previously made comments about Trump.
At the 2017 Country Music Awards, she humorously criticized his social media habits through a parody of her song “Before He Cheats.” Despite this, Underwood has kept her political affiliations unclear, emphasizing the complexities of political labeling in an interview with The Guardian.
On the other hand, the Village People have a more complicated history with Trump. The group, led by founding member Victor Willis, announced their participation as a move toward unity. However, their relationship has not always been harmonious. In 2020, Willis sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump over the unauthorized use of their songs “Macho Man” and “Y.M.C.A.” during campaign rallies. Despite legal disputes, Willis later expressed that he didn’t mind Trump dancing to their music.
Artists Who Refused to Perform at Trump’s Events
Trump has faced challenges in securing artists for his inaugurations. Many prominent musicians declined invitations for past events, including Elton John, Garth Brooks, and Céline Dion. In addition, numerous artists have publicly opposed Trump’s use of their music. These include:
- Adele
- Bruce Springsteen
- Rihanna
- The Rolling Stones
- Guns N’ Roses
- Queen
The Village People were also part of this list, although they later reconciled with Trump for the inauguration performance.
The Role of Music in Politics
Victor Willis of the Village People emphasized that music should transcend political divides. He noted on Facebook, “Music is to be performed without regard to politics.” While some fans may disagree with the decision to perform, Willis believes their presence at the inauguration could promote unity during a divisive time.
Similarly, Underwood’s participation reflects a focus on showcasing talent rather than political alignment. Her rendition of “America the Beautiful” highlights the importance of celebrating national pride through music.
FAQs
1. Who are the main performers at Trump’s inauguration?
Carrie Underwood and the Village People have been confirmed as performers.
2. Why is the Village People’s involvement significant?
The group has a history of legal disputes with Trump over unauthorized use of their music but agreed to perform for the sake of unity.
3. Has Carrie Underwood taken a political stance?
Underwood has largely avoided political labels, though she has made light-hearted comments about Trump in the past.
4. What other artists have declined to perform at Trump’s events?
High-profile names like Elton John, Adele, and The Rolling Stones refused to perform at Trump’s previous events.
5. How does music influence political events?
Music has the power to unite or divide, depending on how it is used. Performers like the Village People and Carrie Underwood aim to bring people together through their art.
