Which celebrities could perform at Donald Trump
A national holiday thanks to the fact it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr Day, spectators can expect a day full of pomp, pageantry and entertainment.
Back at his first inauguration in 2017, Mr Trump appeared to struggle to rustle up celebrity attendees – so who might we see turn up second time around?
Political figures and world leaders
Outgoing president Joe Biden, 82, will attend his successor’s inauguration. It was a pleasantry not performed by Mr Trump during Mr Biden’s inauguration in 2020, which Mr Trump – who claimed the election had been stolen from him – chose to skip.
It’s also traditional for all living former presidents to attend the inauguration, so Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton are all likely to attend.
Mr Trump has also invited world leaders this year for the first time.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has confirmed his attendance, and we’d also expect to see Elon Musk, Mr Trump’s new efficiency tsar.
Mr Farage will certainly be hoping Mr Musk rocks up, as he’s said he hopes to “mend any broken fences” with the tech billionaire after a recent social media spat between the two.
Official acts
Musical performances are usually a staple of the event, with a marching band, and a string of celebrity performances.
Inauguration galas will also be held throughout the evening.
Past inaugurations have included appearances from stars including Beyonce, Lady Gaga and John Legend.
But Mr Trump’s team is yet to confirm which musical artists will appear on the day, including the coveted performance of national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner on the steps of the Capitol.
Who performed at Trump’s last inauguration – and might they perform again?
Classical singer Jackie Evancho, a former America’s Got Talent contestant, sang the national anthem at Mr Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, calling it a “huge honour” to perform for the president. But the young star, who has a transgender sister, did later say she was “disappointed” by Mr Trump’s decision to roll back on transgender rights.
Meanwhile, country singer Toby Keith was arguably the biggest name on the bill the first time around. He died from stomach cancer last February.
Other acts who performed include The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, rock band 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums and musical group The Piano Guys.
Actor Jon Voight, a vocal supporter of Mr Trump and father of Angelina Jolie, also spoke at the concert.
And Country singer Lee Greenwood sang God Bless The USA at the inauguration eight years ago and was a staple at Trump campaign rallies last year.
It seems likely we might see some return appearances from a few of these acts this time around.
Other names in the mix
Singer Kid Rock, 53, has been a vocal supporter of the Republican party and the president-elect for many years.
Rock, whose real name is Robert James Richie, previously sang ahead of Mr Trump’s speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in July and joined Mr Trump’s entourage at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event in November. He seems a likely candidate to take to the stage again.
Singer Mary Millben sang the national anthem at both Mr Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally and the Republican National Convention back in July, so seems to stand a good chance of performing.
One wildcard potential guest would be Kanye West, who has been a vocal supporter of Mr Trump in the past, and who met with him in the Oval Office back in 2018.
When asked earlier this year if he would be voting Republican, West told reporters: “Yeah, of course. It’s Trump all day.”
Prime-time TV show?
In 2021, Joe Biden’s inauguration included a prime-time inauguration day TV programme hosted by Tom Hanks.
Celebrating America featured performances from acts including Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake.
It’s not known if a similar programme will be aired following Mr Trump’s inauguration this year.
