If you were expecting the usual high-octane Hollywood roster for the 60th Presidential Inauguration, you’re only half right. This year is different. It’s less about the Billboard Top 100 and more about a specific brand of American anthems. Honestly, the 2025 inauguration feels like a massive country music festival took over the U.S. Capitol.
Whether you’re watching from a couch in Ohio or standing on the National Mall, the question of who is performing at the presidential inauguration has been the biggest mystery in D.C. for weeks. We finally have the names. And yeah, there are some surprises in the mix.
The Main Event: Who is Performing at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony?
The actual swearing-in is a buttoned-up affair, but the music usually sets the tone for the whole four-year term. For 2025, the lineup is anchored by some heavy hitters in the country and classical worlds.
Carrie Underwood is the biggest headline. The "American Idol" alum and multi-platinum star was tapped to sing "America the Beautiful" right before the oath of office. Interestingly, she chose to perform it a cappella, which is a bold move when you're standing in front of the entire world. She's backed by the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, so expect some serious vocal power.
Then you have the staples. Lee Greenwood is basically synonymous with Donald Trump's rallies at this point. It wouldn't be an inauguration without "God Bless the U.S.A.," and he’s performing it right as the President-elect walks out.
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Opera singer Christopher Macchio is the other "anchor" for the ceremony. He’s doing the heavy lifting with two major slots: "O America!" at the start and the National Anthem at the very end. He’s a favorite of the Trump family, having performed at Mar-a-Lago and previous rallies, so his presence isn't a shocker to anyone following the campaign trail.
The Classical and Military Backbone
It's not all solo stars. The "President’s Own" United States Marine Band is the literal soundtrack of the day. They've been doing this since Thomas Jefferson’s time in 1801. They handle the "Hail to the Chief" and the "Ruffles and Flourishes" that signal the transfer of power.
We also saw the University of Nebraska–Lincoln choir and the Liberty University Praise Choir involved in the various daytime festivities. These groups add that "heartland" feel that the 2025 committee clearly prioritized.
The Sunday MAGA Victory Rally: Where the Energy Is
Before the formal stuff on Monday, Sunday was basically a rock concert. The "MAGA Victory Rally" at Capital One Arena wasn't just speeches. It was a full-blown production.
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- Kid Rock: No surprise here. He’s been a vocal supporter for years. He brought his usual high-energy rock-rap fusion to the stage.
- Billy Ray Cyrus: He’s been appearing at more political events lately, and he took the stage on Sunday to keep the country-rock vibe going.
- The Village People: This is the one that gets people talking. "Y.M.C.A." has been the closing song for Trump rallies for years. Despite some past legal back-and-forth about the use of the song, Victor Willis and the group were there in person this time. They actually released a statement saying music should be "performed without regard to politics" and that they wanted to help bring the country together.
Nighttime: The Inaugural Balls and Their Stars
Once the sun goes down and the tuxedos come out, the music shifts a bit. There are three main balls this year, each with its own "vibe" and performer list.
The Commander-in-Chief Ball
This one is for the military and first responders. It’s usually the most emotional of the night.
Rascal Flatts (specifically lead singer Gary LeVox) and Parker McCollum are the main acts here. It’s a very modern country lineup that resonates well with the service members in attendance.
The Liberty Inaugural Ball
This is the "party" ball. If you want variety, this is where it happened.
Nelly was a late addition to the list, which caught some people off guard. Combining the "Hot in Herre" rapper with Jason Aldean—who is probably the most outspoken pro-Trump artist in Nashville right now—makes for a wild playlist. The Village People also made an appearance here for a second round of disco hits.
The Starlight Ball
This one is generally for the high-level donors and supporters.
Gavin DeGraw took the stage for this event. Known for his soulful pop-rock hits like "I Don't Want to Be," he provides a slightly more "mellow but upbeat" atmosphere compared to the high-energy rally performances.
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Why the Lineup Matters (E-E-A-T Perspective)
Looking back at 2017, the inaugural committee struggled to find A-list talent. A lot of performers backed out due to fan pressure. In 2025, that doesn't seem to be the case. By leaning into country music and legacy acts like the Village People, the organizers leaned into a culture that is already aligned with the administration's base.
Political analysts often look at these lineups as a barometer for a president's "cultural capital." While you didn't see Lady Gaga or Beyoncé (who performed for Biden and Obama respectively), the presence of someone like Carrie Underwood—who usually stays out of the political fray—suggests a different level of buy-in from the Nashville establishment this time around.
What You Should Do Next
If you missed the live broadcast, most of these performances are being uploaded to the official YouTube channels of the networks that covered them.
- Check out the a cappella version of "America the Beautiful" by Carrie Underwood. It’s widely being cited as the vocal highlight of the day.
- Watch the Marine Band’s "Hail to the Chief." Even if you aren't into politics, the precision of the oldest professional musical organization in the U.S. is something to behold.
- Look for the full schedule of the National Prayer Service. Usually held the morning after the inauguration, this event often features additional choral and gospel performances that don't get the primetime spotlight but are often the most musically sophisticated.
The 2025 inauguration proved that you don't need a hundred Hollywood stars to fill a four-day schedule—you just need a few dedicated ones and a very loud sound system.