The United States’ next president is having some difficulty finding musicians to perform at his inauguration later this week.
A string of high profile entertainers have turned down invitations to perform at the historical event.
At Barack Obama’s first inauguration Aretha Franklin performed, plus some of the biggest names in the business gave their time.
Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi with Bettye Lavette, James Taylor with John Legend, John Mellencamp, Josh Groban and Heather Headley, will.i.am with Herbie Hancock and Sheryl Crow, opera singer Renée Fleming, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder with Usher and Shakira, U2, Pete Seeger, and Beyoncé all turned up.
Donald Trump has only been able to muster reality TV stars, forgotten bands and some country artists.
Many fans of singer Jennifer Holliday we surprised to see her announced as one of the performers, but the singer has quickly backtracked.
The Dreamgirls star has had a successful career both in recorded music and on Broadway and has heaps of queer fans. Her signature song And I’m Telling You That I’m Not Going became a source of empowerment to gay people at a time when the AIDS crisis was at its peak.
After reading criticism of her decision to perform, Holliday has withdrawn and offered an apology to her fans calling it a ‘lapse of judgement’.
“The LGBT Community was mostly responsible for birthing my career and I am deeply indebted to you… You have loved me faithfully and unconditionally and for so many years you provided me with work even though my star had long since faded.” Holliday told The Wrap.
The campaign has found some performers willing to take part in the ceremony.
Jackie Evancho from the TV show America’s Got Talent will sing their National Anthem. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir have signed up to perform alongside rock band Three Doors Down, Big and Rich and Cowboy Troy.
