Share Tweet Pin Email By Iris Goldsztajn 6:51pm PST, Feb 9, 2026 - Booking the era's biggest artists to perform at presidential inauguration events has been a decades-long tradition. From Ella Fitzgerald to Lady Gaga, we take a look back at some of the most memorable performances from inaugurations past. Keep reading to find out more...
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news Carrie Underwood for Donald Trump (2025) Carrie Underwood received a ton of backlash for agreeing to sing "America the Beautiful" at Donald Trump's second inauguration. The lineup - which also included Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus - was described as "Nashville-heavy." This is hardly surprising given country music's association with conservative politics, especially since the '70s. Jason Aldean for Donald Trump (2025) Jason Aldean isn't shy about his views - particularly his support of Donald Trump - so it's no surprise he accepted the invitation to perform during his inauguration. Lady Gaga for Joe Biden (2021) Joe Biden assembled quite the epic lineup for his 2021 inauguration event - including Lady Gaga. Garth Brooks for Joe Biden (2021) Country singers are typically thought of as leaning conservative, but Garth Brooks agreed to perform at Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021. "This is a great day in our household," he said before the ex-president was sworn in. "This is not a political statement. This is a statement of unity." Jennifer Lopez for Joe Biden (2021) Jennifer Lopez performed at Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. J.
Lo is known for strongly opposing Donald Trump. Toby Keith for Donald Trump (2017) For Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration, organizers struggled to find performers. According to Entertainment Weekly, the following musicians publicly declined to appear: Elton John, Céline Dion, KISS, Garth Brooks, Moby, Idina Menzel, Andrea Bocelli and even Kanye West. In the words of a Guardian headline at the time, "Toby Keith [ended] Trump's struggle to find inauguration headliner." Beyoncé for Barack Obama (2013 and 2009) Beyoncé is no stranger to inauguration performances, having first performed with Destiny's Child for George W. Bush's 2001 inauguration. She went on to perform as a solo artist for both of Barack Obama's inaugurations. The "Texas Hold 'Em" singer is closely aligned with the Democratic Party, having spoken at a rally for Kamala Harris in 2024. Kelly Clarkson for Barack Obama (2013) Vocal powerhouse Kelly Clarkson performed at Barack Obama's second inauguration in 2013, singing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." Alicia Keys for Barack Obama (2013) Alicia Keys was on the lineup for Barack Obama's 2013 inauguration ball, changing the lyrics to her song "Girl on Fire" to "Obama's on fire." Bruce Springsteen for Barack Obama (2013 and 2009) Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama are such good pals that they literally have a podcast together, so it should come as no surprise that The Boss performed at both of the former president's inaugurations. Brad Paisley for Barack Obama (2013) Brad Paisley performed at the inaugural ball for Barack Obama in 2013. The more significant moment, however, occurred a few months after Obama's first inauguration, when Paisley performed the rousing song "Welcome to the Future" in July 2009 for the White House Music Series, which celebrated the country's first Black president. Usher for Barack Obama (2013 and 2009) It seems many musicians loved performing for Barack Obama at his 2009 inauguration so much that they came back for another round in 2013. That was the case for Usher, who said a big fat "Yeah!" to both invitations. Mary J. Blige for Barack Obama (2009) Mary J. Blige performed at Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009, later describing the moment simply as "wow." Shakira for Barack Obama (2009) As part of the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009, Shakira performed "Higher Ground" with Usher and Stevie Wonder. Hilary Duff for George W. Bush (2005) Starting with Obama's election and even more so with Trump's, accepting to sing at an inauguration took on a deeply political tinge. Before that, however, it was seen more as a civic duty or as an honor regardless of political affiliation. It's in that spirit that Hilary Duff, who is more closely aligned with Democratic values, sang "Come Clean" at George W. Bush's 2005 inauguration - a historical event which TikTok has branded "so slay" and "so girly pop." Destiny's Child for George W. Bush (2001) George W. Bush's 2001 election started a long career of inauguration performances for Beyoncé Knowles - whose band Destiny's Child was on the lineup that year. Ricky Martin for George W. Bush (2001) There was some controversy about Ricky Martin performing "Cup of Life" at George W. Bush's 2001 inauguration, with the song's writer, fellow Puerto Rican Robi Draco Rosa saying at the time, "This is a very partisan act. This is a president who would have people in his Cabinet who would obstruct the exercise of civil righ