Carrie Underwood performed at Donald Trump's 2025 presidential inauguration.
Trump's inauguration began at noon local time on Monday in Washington, D.C., with performances by opera singer Christopher Macchio and Underwood.
Shortly after Trump was sworn in as President of the United States for a rare non-consecutive term, Underwood performed America the Beautiful alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
The country star made headlines shortly after it was announced that she would be performing at the event, as she has openly distanced herself from politics in the past.
In a statement defending her decision, Underwood said, "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event".
She continued, "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."
Meanwhile, the Village People, whose song Y.M.C.A. has become a staple of Trump events, will perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three major galas held as part of the inauguration.
Defending their own decision to take part in the inauguration, the group wrote in a statement, "We know this won't make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics."
"Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost," they continued. "Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."
Rapper Nelly has also defended his decision to perform at the Liberty Ball, explaining that he is "doing this 'cause it's an honour".
Other celebrities set to perform at the celebration include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lee Greenwood.
