Donald Trump’s Inauguration Performers: Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down + More
Who's performing at Donald Trump's inauguration? For months, the story has been who isn't performing at the January 20 event: Despite Trump's enduring obsession with celebrity culture, the PEOTUS claimed he didn't even want A-listers at his inauguration, anyway, and organizers were reportedly scrambling to find talent. The acts that have been added to one of several inauguration weekend events are "Who's Your Daddy?" singer Toby Keith, Nickelback contemporaries 3 Doors Down and, according to a NY Daily News report, R&B singer Chrisette Michele.
Keith, 3 Doors Down and Michele will perform at the January 19 "Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration" concert at D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial, THR first reported. Sam Moore of classic soul duo Sam and Dave will also perform at the MAGA event.
But while Trump inauguration committee communications director Boris Epshteyn announced that Broadway veteran Jennifer Holliday was on the bill via Twitter on Friday morning, Holliday announced after considerable backlash online that she'd had a change of heart.
"In light of the information pointed out to me via the Daily Beast article on yesterday, my only choice must now be to stand with the LGBT Community and to state unequivocally that I WILL NOT PERFORM FOR THE WELCOME CONCERT OR FOR ANY OF THE INAUGURATION FESTIVITIES," Holliday wrote in a letter to her fans. In the days since, TMZ has claimed Trump has booked more talent — but his inauguration committee won't say who the acts actually are, for fear they'll back out.
Country singer Lee Greenwood, best known for his "God Bless the U.S.A.," will also perform in his fourth presidential inauguration appearance.
"I’m honored to be part of history again and sing for President-elect Donald Trump. This is a time to overcome challenges in our country and band together. My wife Kim and I are looking forward to the inauguration ceremonies," Greenwood said in a statement.
As for Chrisette Michele, who like Holliday has received substantial backlash on Twitter for agreeing to perform, published a vague open letter to Twitter on January 19. It concludes with "I am here, representing you, because this is what matters," and is hashtagged "#NoPoliticalGenius" at the end.
The performers join America's Got Talent runner-up Jackie Evancho on the bill of performers for Trump's inauguration events. In a recent New York Times story, Evancho and her transgender sister Juliet said that Juliet won't be attending the festivities, though she'll "be there in spirit." Evancho's parents are currently suing their local school system so Juliet will have the right to use a women's bathroom (VP-elect Mike Pence has fought against laws prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in support of "religious freedom").
At the Liberty Ball on Friday, January 20, which Trump will be attending, TMZ reported that 58-year-old "Lord of the Dance" Michael Flatley will step-dance his way across the stage. He joins the Rockettes, whose own appearance was a topic of controversy.
Actor Jon Voight — Angelina Jolie's father — is also scheduled to appear at the MAGA Welcome Celebration. Caitlyn Jenner will attend the inauguration on January 20, and boxer Floyd Mayweather told TMZ he is attending as well.
Celebrities Who Refused to Perform at Donald Trump's Inauguration