The Village People, the iconic disco group known for the LGBTQ anthem “Y.M.C.A.,” will take part in Donald Trump’s upcoming presidential inauguration events, scheduled for January 20. This announcement comes shortly after news that country singer Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at the Capitol.
The Village People made their revelation on Facebook, stating that they had accepted an invitation to “participate in inaugural activities” for Trump’s second term. They confirmed their involvement in at least one event with the President-Elect, acknowledging that their participation may not be well-received by everyone. “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear,” they wrote, adding that they believe music should transcend political lines.
In their post, the band emphasized that “Y.M.C.A.” is a global anthem, and expressed hope that it can help unite the country following a divisive election season, though they did not name a specific candidate they supported. The group concluded by sharing their intention to foster unity through music during the inauguration’s various events.
However, the band did not disclose which specific events they would be involved in. An official program of the inauguration, obtained by Entertainment Weekly, does not list the group in the main proceedings, and representatives for Trump have not provided additional details.
Victor Willis, a founding member of the Village People, had previously commented on Trump’s use of “Y.M.C.A.” during the 2024 presidential campaign. Willis, 73, distanced himself from the notion that the song is a gay anthem and expressed admiration for Trump’s fondness for the track. This marks a shift from the group’s earlier objections to Trump playing both “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man” during his 2020 campaign.
Carrie Underwood also faced scrutiny following her decision to perform at the inauguration. She addressed the political divide in the country, stating, “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 added that she was humbled to contribute to a moment of unity, with a focus on looking forward to the future.
Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 saw performances by artists such as Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, and Lee Greenwood. In contrast, President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration featured performances by Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Amanda Gorman, Garth Brooks, and others, celebrating a blend of speeches and musical acts.
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