A soft hush of anticipation is sweeping across Washington, D.C., as the nation readies for Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities. This weekend’s events promise an eclectic blend of mainstream country swagger, retro disco beats, and heartfelt ballads—a celebratory swirl of American music. Carrie Underwood will headline a roster that brings together Kid Rock, the Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and a few surprises.
At the official swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” on the U.S. Capitol steps. It’s a fitting choice for the eight-time Grammy winner, who’s built her artistry on a fusion of church pew sincerity and arena-sized power ballads. Backing her up will be tenor Christopher Macchio on the national anthem and, fittingly, Lee Greenwood—an artist who has long served as a vocal champion of American patriotism.
The events surrounding the weekend play like a mixtape of tastes: from Kid Rock’s raucous riffs to the Village People’s campy take on retro dance hits, all converging at Sunday’s Make America Great Again Victory Rally at Capital One Arena. Billy Ray Cyrus, best known for his crossover hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” will also step forward to lend a country twang. Then on Monday night, the party heads to the Liberty Ball, where the Village People, Aldean, and a still-under-wraps “mystery guest” promise an evening full of unexpected collaborations.
Meanwhile, Rascal Flatts and Parker McCollum are lined up for the Commander-In-Chief Ball, and Gavin DeGraw will serenade the crowd at the Starlight Ball. Throughout it all, the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee is framing this musical mosaic as “a celebration of music, unity, and patriotism, ushering in America’s new Golden Age.” Like inaugural ceremonies of the past, the lineup references the country’s varied cultural history—just as Garth Brooks, Beyoncé, and Aretha Franklin famously did for previous presidents.
Following Monday’s swearing-in, a time-honored sequence of ceremonies and traditions will unfold: the Capitol Departure, a presidential review of the troops, and finally a formal parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Whether you love the bombast of Kid Rock or the earnest strains of Carrie Underwood, there’s no doubt the inauguration will be a spectacle of sound and emotion, placing music front and center on a day of big political transitions.
FAQs
- Why is Carrie Underwood headlining Donald Trump’s inauguration?
She’s an acclaimed country music star known for bringing a powerful yet reverent tone to patriotic anthems. - What will Kid Rock perform at the inauguration events?
Kid Rock hasn’t revealed his setlist yet, but expect his signature blend of rock, rap, and country. - Who are some other artists performing at the swearing-in ceremony?
Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio will join Carrie Underwood on Monday to offer patriotic favorites. - Where will Rascal Flatts perform during the inauguration?
Rascal Flatts is set to play at the Commander-In-Chief Ball on Monday evening. - What else happens on Inauguration Day beyond the music?
After the swearing-in, there’s a departure ceremony, a review of the troops, and a presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
