The latest list of Donald Trump’s inauguration performers is in and requires a lot of Googling
Trump promised 'plenty of movie and entertainment stars'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With 24 hours to go, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration committee has issued the latest list of entertainers performing at the events surrounding it.
All but one (3 Doors Down) your correspondent hadn’t heard of and had to Google, and at least three sound completely made up ('Tony Orlando', 'Big & Rich' and 'The Piano Guys', I’m looking at you).
The list is a far cry from the “plenty of movie and entertainment stars” Trump promised:
Trump at least knows his fan base as the majority of the performers are country singers, including Toby Keith (best-known for ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy’ apparently) and Lee Greenwood (‘God Bless the USA’).
Unfortunately, Bruce Springsteen tribute act The B Street Band cancelled on him out of respect for Springsteen and his political views, while 13 dancers in the Radio City Rockettes dance company have said they will sit out the performance in protest.
Hosts of musicians declined to play the inauguration, including Sir Elton John, Moby, Charlotte Church and Rebecca Ferguson, who wrote an open letter stating she'd only attend should she be able to perform the song ‘Strange Fruit’ - Billie Holiday's sombre exploration of the lynching of African Americans at the start of the 20th century.
Today, we learned why theoretical Trump voter Kanye West wasn't invited to perform.
Inauguration performers list (as of 10am GMT, 19 January):
3 Doors Down
Toby Keith
Chrisette Michele
Lee Greenwood
Jackie Evancho
Big & Rich
Tony Orlando
The Rockets
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Piano Guys
Sam Moore (of the duo Sam & Dave)
Tim Rushlow
The Frontmen of Country
Travis Greene
DJ Ravidrums
The Talladega College Tornado Marching BandTalladega College Tornado Marching Band
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments