Nobody Will Sing for Trump

Trump’s inauguration has already encountered more obstacles than expected. Four years ago, at Obama’s re-election ceremony, Beyoncé performed the National Anthem prior to Obama’s swearing in, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor both sang afterward, and Alicia Keys, Marc Anthony, and country star Brad Paisley were among the list of artists who livened up the dance floor in Washington. In 2008, Aretha Franklin was the star of the ceremony. The program for the upcoming event on Jan. 20, however, doesn’t boast the same impressive line-up.

It’s not proving easy to find big-name artists willing to support Trump on the day of his presidential inauguration. Among those having already declined the invitation are Elton John and country singer Garth Brooks. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also refused to make an appearance, despite Trump’s admiration of his work. The Rolling Stones have said not to expect them at the event, following Mick Jagger’s disgust at hearing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” played as part of Trump’s campaign.

Another no-show is rapper Kanye West, one of the only celebrities to support Trump during his campaign and to have met with the president-elect. West defends his meetings with Trump as a means to discussing “multicultural issues,” but refuses to perform at the ceremony.

The ceremony’s planning has been trusted to Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, former Vogue director and organizer of the magazine’s annual New York Met Gala. New York’s legendary dance group, The Radio City Rockettes, have confirmed their attendance, but not without controversy. Several of the group’s 36 members have taken to social media to show their disapproval, claiming that Trump is not the sort of person who represents them.

Joining them on stage will be 16-year-old soprano singer Jackie Evancho, who will need to make up for the absence of other guests. The National Anthem singer found fame following the popular television contest “America’s Got Talent.”