Country music star Carrie Underwood is set to perform "America the Beautiful" at Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration alongside other performers such as country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio. The inaugural program, provided to The Associated Press, reveals that Underwood will take the stage shortly before Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol on January 20th.
The inauguration festivities will kick off this weekend in Washington with a fireworks show at Trump's golf club in Virginia, a rally in D.C., a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, and lavish dinners leading up to the inauguration ceremony. This event is expected to be quite different from Trump's previous inauguration, as he did not attend President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony in 2020.
The schedule released by the committee planning Trump's inauguration includes four days of events, with Trump attending a reception, fireworks display, Cabinet members reception, and a dinner leading up to his official swearing-in ceremony. The following day, Trump will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and hold a "MAGA Victory" rally in downtown Washington.
The day of the inauguration will include traditional events such as tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, and multiple balls. Melania Trump is expected to join tea with the Bidens, a departure from her absence at the previous inauguration.
Musical performances by Greenwood and Macchio are planned for the inauguration ceremony, with Macchio having previously performed at Trump's rallies and events. Trump's first inauguration in 2017 featured performances from various artists, and this year's ceremony promises to be a grand affair with a mix of musical genres and entertainment.