Outgoing president Joe Biden, 82, will attend his successor’s inauguration. It was a pleasantry not performed by Mr Trump during Mr Biden’s inauguration in 2020, which Mr Trump – who claimed the election had been stolen from him – chose to skip.
It’s also traditional for all living former presidents to attend the inauguration, so Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton are all likely to attend.
Mr Trump has also invited world leaders this year for the first time.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has confirmed his attendance, and we’d also expect to see Elon Musk, Mr Trump’s new efficiency tsar.
Image: Elon Musk and Nigel Farage have ‘fences to mend’. Pic: PA
Mr Farage will certainly be hoping Mr Musk rocks up, as he’s said he hopes to “mend any broken fences” with the tech billionaire after a recent social media spat between the two.
Official acts
Musical performances are a staple of the event, with a marching band, and a string of celebrity performances. Inauguration galas will also be held throughout the evening.
Image: Donald Trump watches a marching band on Pennsylvania Avenue at his first inauguration
Past inaugurations have included appearances from stars including Beyonce, Lady Gaga and John Legend.
Confirmed acts so far include American Idol star Carrie Underwood, who will perform America The Beautiful shortly before Mr Trump takes the oath of office.
The 41-year-old singer will perform the song alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the US Naval Academy Glee Club, according to a copy of the inaugural programme given to the PA news agency.
Other performers include classical singer Christopher Macchio, who will sing Oh, America! before the vice-presidential oath of office with JD Vance, and will close the ceremony with a rendition of the American National Anthem.
Meanwhile, Victor Willis, frontman of the Village People, announced the band had accepted an invitation “to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump”.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Willis said: “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear, however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.
Image: Victor Willis and the Village People perform during the Festival d’ete de Quebec in July 2019. Pic: AP
“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,” he added.
“Therefore, we believe it’s 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.”
Willis last month defended Mr Trump’s use of Y.M.C.A. at campaign rallies and denied that the song is a “gay anthem”.
The 1978 disco hit spiked in listenership in November after it secured a spot on Mr Trump’s campaign playlist, according to Sky News’ US partner, NBC News.
Who performed at Trump’s last inauguration – and might they perform again?
Classical singer Jackie Evancho, a former America’s Got Talent contestant, sang the national anthem at Mr Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, calling it a “huge honour” to perform for the president. But the young star, who has a transgender sister, did later say she was “disappointed” by Mr Trump’s decision to roll back on transgender rights.
Image: Jackie Evancho singing at Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017
Meanwhile, country singer Toby Keith was arguably the biggest name on the bill the first time around. He died from stomach cancer last February.
Other acts who performed include The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, rock band 3 Doors Down, DJ Ravidrums and musical group The Piano Guys.
Image: Actor Jon Voight. Pic: Reuters
Actor Jon Voight, a vocal supporter of Mr Trump and father of Angelina Jolie, also spoke at the concert.
And Country singer Lee Greenwood sangGod Bless The USA at the inauguration eight years ago and was a staple at Trump campaign rallies last year.
It seems likely we might see some return appearances from a few of these acts this time around.
Image: Kid Rock speaking ahead of Donald Trump at the National Guard Association Conference in August. Pic: AP
Other names in the mix
Singer Kid Rock, 53, has been a vocal supporter of the Republican party and the president-elect for many years.
Rock, whose real name is Robert James Richie, previously sang ahead of Mr Trump’s speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in July and joined Mr Trump’s entourage at an Ultimate Fighting Championship event in November. He seems a likely candidate to take to the stage again.
Image: Mary Millben on the first day of the Republican National Convention. Pic: Reuters
Singer Mary Millben sang the national anthem at both Mr Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally and the Republican National Convention back in July, so seems to stand a good chance of performing.
Image: Kanye West said he was voting for Trump. Pic: AP
One wildcard potential guest would be Kanye West, who has been a vocal supporter of Mr Trump in the past, and who met with him in the Oval Office back in 2018.
When asked earlier this year if he would be voting Republican, West told reporters: “Yeah, of course. It’s Trump all day.”
Prime-time TV show?
In 2021, Joe Biden’s inauguration included a prime-time inauguration day TV programme hosted by Tom Hanks.
Celebrating America featured performances from acts including Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake.
It’s not known if a similar programme will be aired following Mr Trump’s inauguration this year.
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