"Y.M.C.A." is known to be a favorite of Donald Trump's, and its singer plans to be on hand for the president-elect's swearing in.
Village People, the American disco group whose hits like "Y.M.C.A" have been staples at Trump rallies, defended their decision to perform during Trump's inauguration.
Under the Constitution’s 20th Amendment, the newly elected president of the United States takes office on Jan. 20 (unless that’s a Sunday, in which case it moves to Jan. 21). For Trump’s (second) big day, the pomp and circumstance will include performances by Carrie Underwood and the Village People, a military parade, and formal balls.
Village People had previously sent cease-and-desist orders to Donald Trump in a failed attempt to get him to stop playing “Y.M.C.A.” without the group’s permission.
Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events.
On Sunday, the president-elect will appear blocks from the 2021 Capitol attack, signaling that his election rewrote the narrative of how his first term ended.
Country singer Lee Greenwood is set to perform as as Trump walks out to take the oath of office, according to Trump’s inaugural committee. Greenwood’s biggest hit, the patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.,” has been a mainstay at the president’s campaign rallies. Greenwood also performed as part of Trump’s inauguration festivities in 2017.
Before he was sworn into office in 2017, Trump held a concert at the Lincoln Memorial that included performances from Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood and 3 Doors Down. "I don't apologize for performing for our country or military," Keith said at the time.
Several other well-known artists are performing at one of the inaugural balls including Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, The Village People and Nelly. Rapper Snoop Dogg performed at a pre-inaugural "Crypto Ball" on Friday night .
The pageantry and parties surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration kick off this weekend with fireworks and a rally before Monday's inaugural ceremony, parade and balls.