Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump inauguration

Country music star Carrie Underwood is set to take the stage on Inauguration Day, a sign that President-elect Trump's second inauguration may be drawing more high-profile talent than his first go-round.

Underwood is scheduled to perform "America the Beautiful" just ahead of Trump's official swearing-in next Monday, an official with Trump's transition team confirmed to The Hill. She will be accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club.

Underwood's planned appearance was first reported by Matthew Foldi of the Washington Reporter.

Carrie Underwood performs during the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2024, in New York City. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press

"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," Underwood said in a statement to USA Today. "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."

Trump struggled to attract major celebrities to his 2017 inauguration festivities amid criticism and concerns about how he would govern after a polarizing campaign. Performers in 2017 included 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith, Big & Rich and "America's Got Talent" runner-up Jackie Evancho.

President Biden, by contrast, drew multiple celebrity performers and speakers in 2021, including Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen and Garth Brooks.

But Trump has received a warmer welcome as he returns to Washington for his second term, with major companies donating to his inaugural fund and some Democrats signaling an openness to working with him.

—Updated at 2:58 p.m.

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