Normal view
-
Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
- Trump inauguration performer Lee Greenwood defends Carrie Underwood against critics
Trump inauguration performer Lee Greenwood defends Carrie Underwood against critics
After Carrie Underwood received mixed reactions for agreeing to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, Lee Greenwood is coming to the country star's defense.Β
"Carrie Underwood is a great artist," the "God Bless the USA" singer told Fox News Digital on Friday. "A great singer. I've sang with her before. She will do a great job singing at the Capitol with βAmerica the Beautiful.β"
"I'll sing before the President takes his oath," he added. "She will sing after. And just the moment will be magic. For those people who have something negative to say, I say keep it to yourself. Don't attack a friend of mine who is here for the same reason as I am to inaugurate the 47th President of the United States."
LEE GREENWOOD SAYS THE 'PENDULUM HAS SWUNG,' SENSES A CONSERVATIVE REVIVAL IN AMERICA
Underwood, who has mostly stayed away from voicing her political beliefs, confirmed her participation earlier this week.Β
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
"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, who will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, said in a statement. "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."
While some criticized her, including Joy Behar of "The View", others were quick to offer their support.Β
CARRIE UNDERWOOD JOINED BY VILLAGE PEOPLE, LEE GREENWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS
During an episode of the "Amy & T.J." podcast last week, T.J. Holmes said, "You better believe a lot of her fans and a lot of people are split on her participation β you can go look up her response if you'd like β but she's performing. Hey, it's the damn ... it's an inauguration. It's an American event, it's a patriotic event in a lot of ways, and it's just a beautiful event that happens every four years in this country. To participate in it, who wouldn't say yes to that? Does it matter who the president is? Can you not participate because people have an issue with politics or the policies or the person?"
JASON ALDEAN, KID ROCK JOIN CARRIE UNDERWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS
"Yeah, I think that Carrie Underwood made the decision that was right for her, and she has a beautiful voice, and I can't wait to hear it," Amy Robach added.Β
As for Greenwood β who has performed a handful of times for Trump-related events, including the 2017 inauguration and the 2024 Republican National Convention β the singer said it is a "great privilege" to be hitting the stage again at such a historical event.Β
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
"To be included in this, I mean, there's thousands and thousands of people who had loved to be here in Washington, D.C., to watch this live. And there will be a bunch. But to be on stage with him, it's just a great privilege."
Greenwood said he's looking forward to what the next four years will bring.Β
LIKE WHAT YOUβRE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
"To my President, Donald Trump, we have confidence in you that the next four years, as I spoke to you at Mar-a-Lago, you are a peacemaker," he told Fox News Digital. "You're going to change the way the world thinks about America. We are all on board about MAGA and Making America Great Again. From my father's time in the Navy, in the Merchant Marine during World War Two and my wife's father's tenure in the Army, we know that you respect the military, and you use it wisely. Just thank you for all that you will do for all the rest of us. The citizens of America stand with you."
Trump's presidential inauguration events will feature performances by Underwood the Village People and Greenwood.
Who Is Coming to Trumpβs Inauguration β and Who Isnβt
-
NYT > U.S. > Politics
- Carrie Underwood Will Sing βAmerica the Beautifulβ at Trumpβs Inauguration
Carrie Underwood Will Sing βAmerica the Beautifulβ at Trumpβs Inauguration
-
Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
- Carrie Underwood joined by Village People, Lee Greenwood at Trump inauguration events
Carrie Underwood joined by Village People, Lee Greenwood at Trump inauguration events
Donald Trump's presidential inauguration events will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, Village People and Lee Greenwood.
Underwood issued a statement on Monday, saying she is "honored" to be able to perform as Trump takes the oath of office on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol.
"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, according to The Associated Press. "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."
Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" winner, will be singing "America the Beautiful" and will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.Β
CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM βAMERICA THE BEAUTIFULβ AT TRUMP INAUGURATION
Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" after Vice President-elect JD Vance takes his Oath of Office and before Trump takes the Presidential Oath of Office.Β
The '70s disco group Village People have been a staple during Trump's rallies over the past year, with hits like "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man" being played.Β
LIKE WHAT YOUβRE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The group is slated to perform at one of Trump's inaugural balls and a rally he's holding in Washington in the day leading up to his inauguration.
Village People shared a statement on Facebook on Monday. "We know this wonβt make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," the band said.Β
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
"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 itβs 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."
The Associated Press reported that along with Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio is set to make a performance during Trump's inauguration festivities.