Carrie Underwood will be singing at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The country star is set to perform "America the Beautiful" at the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20, while the national anthem will be performed by Christopher Macchio. According to the Associated Press, Lee Greenwood will perform as the president walks out to take the oath.
The Washington Reporter's Matthew Foldi shared a photo of the program on Jan. 13, which shows that Carrie will be joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. The American Idol alum's performance will take place before the presidential oath of office is administered to President Trump.
"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,” Carrie said in a statement, via Variety. "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."
© NDZ/Star Max/GC ImagesBack in 2019, the Grammy Award-winning singer told The Guardian that in public she tries "to stay far out of politics if possible." She said, “I feel like more people try to pin me places politically."
Carrie added, "I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that."
While the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20 is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, the inaugural events will kick off on Saturday, Jan. 18, with a reception and fireworks at the Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C. in Sterling, Virginia. The schedule for the four days of inaugural events include three inaugural balls, a Make America Great Again Victory Rally, the Presidential Parade, and more.
“President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda,” Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, co-chairs of the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, Inc., said in a statement on Jan. 13. “The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again.”
© Bill TompkinsStar-studded performances confirmed
Music will play a central role in the inauguration celebrations, featuring a lineup of acclaimed artists:
Carrie Underwood: This country music icon, celebrated for her incredible voice and heartfelt performances, is set to grace the stage as she sings "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Christopher Macchio: The acclaimed opera singer will bring a touch of elegance to the swearing-in ceremony by performing the national anthem.
Lee Greenwood: A familiar face from Trump’s earlier campaign events, Greenwood will take the stage to perform his beloved song "God Bless the USA," promising a moment that’s sure to resonate with the audience.
Village People: The legendary disco group, famous for classics like "Y.M.C.A.," will get the party started at a pre-inauguration bash on January 19. Their lively performance is anticipated to kick off the celebrations with lots of energy and fun!
© Getty ImagesEvent schedule and venue Updates
The inauguration schedule includes several events leading up to the official swearing-in:
January 18: The celebrations kick off with a reception and fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.
January 19: A large-scale rally at the Capital One Arena will feature performances by Village People, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
January 20: The swearing-in ceremony will take place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to forecasts of freezing temperatures. This marks the first indoor inauguration since 1985.
