Celebrities Who Have Performed at Presidential Inaugurations Over the Years — From Lady Gaga to Garth Brooks and More

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A-list musicians have long been a part of one of America's oldest traditions.

On Monday, January 13, it was announced Carrie Underwood would be performing "America the Beautiful" at President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration on Monday, January 20, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
"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 said in a statement.
Despite the backlash, many artists have also taken the stage to usher in new leadership to the country. Join us as we take a look back at some of the celebrities who have sung at presidential inaugurations…


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Jennifer Lopez

As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office in 2021, Jennifer Lopez gave a memorable performance medley of "This Land Is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" while also throwing in her signature hit "Let's Get Loud."

Beyoncé

Beyoncé blew the crowd away with her rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at President Barack Obama's second inauguration in January 2013. The music legend also sang "At Last" for the Democratic leader and First Lady Michelle Obama during their dance in 2008.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga lent her impressive pipes to belt out the national anthem at Biden's swearing-in ceremony in 2021.
"My intention is to acknowledge our past, be healing for our present, and passionate for a future where we work together lovingly. I will sing to the hearts of all people who live on this land," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the performance.

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey

Former pop power couple Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey performed at the inaugural concert in Washington, D.C., for President George W. Bush on January 19, 2001.

Smash Mouth

The band Smash Mouth took the stage at Trump's Pre-Inauguration Welcome Concert in 2017, going on to inspire a viral meme with the Republican's reaction to their hit song "All Star."

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra performed for multiple presidents. The crooner produced and sang "You Make Me Feel So Young" in John F. Kennedy's ill-fated pre-inaugural gala in 1961. Sinatra also sang at Ronald Reagan's All-Star Inaugural Gala in 1981.

Aretha Franklin

In 2009, Aretha Franklin made a statement with her iconic hat at Obama's swearing-in ceremony, where she sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee." In 1977, she sang at President Jimmy Carter's inaugural event.  

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand lent her voice to celebrate Bill Clinton by singing "God Bless America" and "Evergreen" at his inaugural concert in 1993.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson wowed the crowd with her version of "My Country Tis of Thee" at Obama's second inauguration in 2013.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan performed "Chimes of Freedom" in front of the Lincoln Memorial at Clinton's 1993 celebrations.

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks performed "Amazing Grace" for Biden at his 2021 swearing-in event.

According to the country singer, First Lady Jill Biden asked him to sing for her husband's inauguration. However, Brooks made clear it was "not a political statement, a statement of unity" in a social media update.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin busted a move with Bush during his performance of "The Cup of Life" at the Celebrating America's Youth concert before his 2001 swearing-in.

Fleetwood Mac

All members of Fleetwood Mac — Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie and John McVie — reunited and took the stage to sing "Don't Stop" at Clinton's inaugural ball.