The vibe is very different from Trump’s inauguration in 2017, when the property tycoon promised to have “the biggest celebrities in the world” in his oath, only to deliver a relatively modest list of country singers, cover bands and mostly unknown acts.
In addition to the low power at Trump’s party, several stories emerged at the time about the long list of artists who reportedly refused opportunities to act for the first Celebrity Apprentice star, including opera star Andrea Bocelli – who dropped out of a planned duet with the Trump National Anthem singer and America have talent runner-up Jackie Evancho – Elton John, Celine Dion, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Brooks, Kiss, Moby, Marie Osmond, Idina Menzel and Charlotte Church among others. And, according to the Washington Post, Trump is reportedly “furious” that so many of the A-listers who turned their backs on him during his administration are now lining up to celebrate Biden and Harris.
So, how do the two events line up? Advertising panel took a look at the guest list for Trump’s inauguration and Biden’s list of players to see which commander-in-chief commanded the biggest stars.
Pre-opening festivities
Trump, who has long been courting celebrities and admirers, promised one of his gold-plated explosions before being sworn in as the country’s 45th president. But events began modestly on the afternoon of January 19, 2017, with a “Voices of the People” concert at the Lincoln Memorial that featured an honor choir from West Palm Beach, a high school martial band, a new Jersey ROTC Color Guard , the American Tap Company and a trio of bagpipe troupes.
That night, Trump’s “Make America Great Again” show on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial stirred things up with two country stars (Lee Greenwood, Toby Keith), as well as the “Kryptonite” rockers 3 Doors Down, followed by a number lesser-known acts, including The Piano Guys, Frontmen of Country and actor Jon Voight. In contrast, Barack Obama’s pre-inaugural “We Are One” concert in January 2009 drew more than 400,000 people to a highly successful event that featured Beyoncé, Mary J Blige, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, U2 , Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor and John Mellencamp, as well as artists Steve Carell, Jamie Fox, Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Luther King III, Denzel Washington and many more.
Lady Gaga prepared to present the national anthem at the inauguration of Biden-Harris | Billboard News
With no inaugural balls or parades due to COVID-19, and increased security following the attack by Trump supporters on Capitol Hill, Biden’s team set up a series of events leading up to the inauguration on Wednesday. They include Sunday night’s “We the People” show, which featured Cher, Fall Out Boy, Michael Bivins, Sophia Bush, DJ Cassidy, Connie Britton, AJR, Will.i.am., Taylor, Carole King and Ben Harper.
Biden’s inaugural committee also planned January 19 We are one event, a “celebration to honor and celebrate everyone within the Black Community and the African Diaspora” hosted by Terence J and featuring Leslie Jones, Frankie Beverly, Stacey Abrams, Tobe Nwigwe, DJ D-Nice, The O’Jays, Rapsody and more. There will also be a tribute to the Latin inauguration of 2021 with stories of the contributions of Latinos to the nations, presented by Eva Longoria. Features Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Leguizamo, Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Ivy Queen, Becky G, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gaby Moreno with David Garza and All-Star Tejanos United – Stefani Montiel, Jose Posada, Shelly Lares, DJ Kane and Emilio Estefan produced the Wailers’ “One World, One Prayer” performance, featuring Skip Marley, Farruko, Shaggy and Cedella Marley.
MLK Day
In a more modern tradition, Biden and Harris honored Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday with a United we serve service celebration day that included Rev. Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, Aloe Blacc, Chesca, Rosario Dawson, Andra Day, Yo-Yo Ma, Diane Warren and Bebe Winans, among others. Trump’s celebration included a meeting with Martin Luther King II at the Trump Tower in New York on the right to vote.
Opening
Trump and First Lady Melania will break with more than a century of tradition by not meeting Biden and with the arrival of First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, avoiding the usual signs of a peaceful transfer of power, such as a meeting in White House and gift exchange. Trump also refused to attend Biden’s oath. And while Beyoncé sang the National Anthem in Obama’s second inauguration and pop superstar Lady Gaga was cast to do the honors at Biden’s, reality show singer Evancho took on Trump’s daunting task. Jennifer Lopez and Brooks are also expected to attend Biden’s inauguration.
Post-Opening Events
Because of the pandemic and security concerns in DC, Biden and Harris will not be able to follow the latest tradition of attending a variety of inaugural balls featuring a brilliant line of artists. After widespread problems securing big names for Trump’s inauguration, the list of names that appeared at his inaugural ball was also unobtrusive, including Sam Moore from Dave and Dave, “Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley, several dancers from the Rockettes troupe , Tony Orlando and lesser-known names such as Pelican 221, Circus 1903, Cache Wilson and Lexi Walker.
Biden’s team switched from dances to a primetime TV special, Celebrating America, which will be hosted by Hanks, and will air from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday night. It will be broadcast on five TV networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and MSNBC), and will be broadcast online on YouTube and PIC’s social media channels, as well as Fox’s Amazon Prime Video, Twitch and NewsNOW. Among the artists announced for this special are Demi Lovato, Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Legend, Jon Bon Jovi and Justin Timberlake, Ozuna and Ant Clemons.