US presidential inauguration: When the stars steal the show
It has become the absolute highlight of US presidential inaugurations: the moment America’s music greats take to the stage to bless the incoming leader with their performances. As Donald Trump prepares for his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, where he will be accompanied by 70s disco legends the Village People and country singer Carrie Underwood, FRANCE 24 takes a look at some of the most memorable inauguration performances of the past.
Every four years, the US presidential inauguration ceremony temporarily turns Washington into a giant concert stage, where power rubs shoulders with glamour. The highlight of the show is when one of the many superstars sings the national anthem on the steps of the Capitol. A star-studded line-up then follows, with the country's most famous singers performing late into the evening at galas and balls.
Just a few days before Trump’s January 20 inauguration, the glitzy cast for his show was unveiled, with the 1970s hit sensation the Village People headlining. The group’s 1978 hit “Y.M.C.A.” has been the unlikely staple during the president-elect's campaign rallies. In a statement, the band said it hoped the song would help “bring the country together”.
Country singer Carrie Underwood, who shot to fame after participating in “American Idol”, has been tapped to perform the patriotic classic “America The Beautiful”.
Trump’s 2016 election victory polarised America, and the act of participating in his inauguration ceremony has since been viewed by many as taking a political stance in his favour. Prior to that, the event was seen as a bipartisan celebration.
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