WASHINGTON — Though Carrie Underwood may not be regarded as a megastar like Beyoncé or Garth Brooks, her involvement in President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration signifies a notable shift within the realm of celebrity engagement with political administrations. In recent times, mainstream artists such as Nelly and The Village People are increasingly aligning with the new administration, showing a willingness to publicly endorse it.
In contrast to eight years ago, when Trump faced difficulties securing celebrity participation for his swearing-in ceremonies, this time has seen a more robust roster of performers. During Obama’s second inaugural, stars like Beyoncé, James Taylor, and Kelly Clarkson graced the stage, which was complemented by extensive celebrity attendance at various events. Conversely, the previous inauguration witnessed a significantly higher number of entertainers participating in protest marches compared to those performing for the inauguration.
Historically, Trump has had a contingent of celebrity supporters, including individuals like Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Jon Voight, among others. However, following Trump’s decisive victory, there appears to be a noticeable change; the number of artists openly supporting his inauguration has increased, even as Hollywood predominantly leans towards liberal values.
Among those scheduled to perform at various inauguration festivities are Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Village People, and Lee Greenwood—all of whom participated in a MAGA-themed rally. Additionally, artists such as Nelly, the band Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, and Gavin DeGraw are set to appear at inaugural balls.
Robert Thompson, a pop culture professor at Syracuse University, noted that while the number of celebrity participants remains modest, the growing trend of support for Trump signals a potential easing of the previous divisive climate. Some entertainers who had publicly opposed Trump in the past, like rapper Snoop Dogg, have shifted their stance, performing at pre-inaugural events despite their former criticisms. The reaction on social media following his performance was mixed, with many expressing surprise and discontent.
Despite this evolution, a lingering stigma remains among certain celebrities, as exhibited by The Village People’s statement justifying their involvement. According to Thompson, the participation of Underwood and others might change public perception of these artists rather than influence opinions about Trump himself. Reports of fans threatening to remove Underwood’s music from their playlists highlight this potential shift in artistic reputation.
Once a critic of Hollywood, Trump is now actively courting the entertainment industry, designating actors like Stallone, Voight, and Mel Gibson as ambassadors to help revitalize it. Thompson quipped that this initiative could serve as the premise for a comedic skit or a new film installment.
In the wake of the election, many celebrity critics have adopted a quieter approach than in 2017, when high-profile figures participated in protests against Trump. An upcoming march in D.C. lacked significant celebrity endorsement, contrasting sharply with the notable presence of stars who rallied for social justice in the previous administration. Notably, the recent Golden Globes did not mention Trump, a stark change from when Meryl Streep used her acceptance speech to criticize him.
Thompson observed that previous celebrity activism failed to influence the political landscape significantly. He remarked that celebrity endorsements for Biden and activism against Trump did not translate into meaningful voter impact, suggesting that their efforts may have inadvertently bolstered support for Trump.
On Friday, a nonpartisan nonprofit known as The Creative Coalition hosted an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for organizations that assist military personnel and their families. Comedian Jeff Ross emphasized the importance of nonpartisanship, indicating he values the protection of free speech provided by military service.
While the entertainers focused primarily on the event’s purpose, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts under the new administration. Actor Steven Weber expressed worries that funding for the arts could be at risk, emphasizing its critical role in both education and cultural vitality.
Separately, an event termed the Concert for America will occur on Monday, featuring a range of celebrities as a fundraiser for wildfire relief. Participants such as Jon Cryer and Conan O’Brien will engage in performances and discussions aimed at supporting human rights initiatives. Organizers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson highlighted their ongoing mission from 2017, advocating for organizations that may face challenges in the coming years.
Jackson explained that the event aims not just to drive action but to foster inspiration and a sense of community among attendees. He noted that securing talent for the event was not an issue, with refusals mainly limited to scheduling conflicts. Rudetsky framed the event as a unifying force against divisive rhetoric, emphasizing a collective aim for positivity.
