The 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump featured a surprising mix of musical performances, uniting artists across genres and generations. While these performances aimed to celebrate the occasion, the participation of certain high-profile entertainers led to intense public scrutiny. Here’s a detailed look at the performers, their standout moments, and how they responded to the backlash.
1) Snoop Dogg: A Bold Move
One of the most unexpected performers at the event was rap legend Snoop Dogg, who shocked fans with a soulful rendition of his hit “Gin and Juice” alongside a new track written for the occasion. Known for his outspoken political opinions, Snoop faced severe backlash from his fanbase, many of whom accused him of hypocrisy given his past critiques of Trump.
Snoop responded via Instagram with a candid video:
Snoop responded via Instagram with a candid video:
“Sometimes, you have to be part of the conversation to make change happen. My performance was for the people, not the politics.”
The rapper’s unapologetic stance sparked debates across platforms, with hashtags like #SnoopSpeaksTruth and #MusicOverPolitics trending for days.
Follow Snoop Dogg:
- Instagram: @snoopdogg
- Twitter: @SnoopDogg
2) Carrie Underwood: The Show Must Go On
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood captivated audiences with a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful.” During the live event, a technical glitch silenced her instrumental backing. Unfazed, Underwood confidently asked, “Should I just sing?” and proceeded to deliver an a cappella performance that earned a standing ovation.
“Music transcends politics. I performed to honor America and bring people together, not to endorse a political agenda.”
Despite the applause, her participation drew criticism online, with some fans questioning her decision to perform for Trump. Underwood addressed the controversy in a social media post, stating:
Her resilience and grace amid the backlash were widely praised, with supporters rallying behind her hashtag #CarrieForUnity on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Carrie Underwood:
- Instagram: @carrieunderwood
- Twitter: @carrieunderwood
3) Soulja Boy: Turning Criticism into Promotion
Rap star Soulja Boy brought the energy with a live performance of his viral hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” reimagined with patriotic lyrics. While the crowd cheered his set, Soulja Boy quickly became a trending topic on social media, facing criticism from fans who accused him of chasing publicity.
In a Twitter post, Soulja Boy turned the negativity into a promotion for his upcoming album:
“Haters gon’ hate, but I’m still making history. New album dropping soon—stay tuned!”
The post garnered mixed reactions but successfully redirected attention toward his music, proving his marketing prowess.
Follow Soulja Boy:
- Instagram: @souljaboy
- Twitter: @souljaboy
4) Kid Rock: Standing His Ground
Rock-rap artist Kid Rock, a longtime Trump supporter, delivered a high-energy performance of his hit song “Born Free.” Known for his outspoken political views, Kid Rock faced heavy criticism from detractors accusing him of being divisive.
Rather than shy away, the musician doubled down on his views during an Instagram Live session, saying:
“I’ve always stood for freedom and the right to express myself. My performance was about celebrating the American spirit.”
Fans used hashtags like #KidRockFreedom and #BornFreeIn2025 to show their support, while critics engaged in heated debates across social platforms.
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5) Rick Ross: The Boss Defends His Choice
Hip-hop mogul Rick Ross performed his anthem “Hustlin’” to an enthusiastic crowd, bringing his signature confidence to the inauguration stage. However, his appearance ignited backlash, with critics questioning his decision to align with Trump’s administration.
Ross addressed the controversy during an interview with a popular podcast:
“It’s about the bigger picture—celebrating the opportunities this country offers and inspiring others to hustle and achieve greatness. Politics aside, I’m here to motivate.”
The statement resonated with his core fanbase, who rallied under the hashtag #BossMoves2025 to show their support.
Follow Rick Ross:
- Instagram: @richforever
- Twitter: @rickross
6) Nelly: A Smooth Performance Amid Criticism
St. Louis native Nelly delivered a nostalgic performance with hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Just a Dream.” While his performance was widely praised for its energy, Nelly faced backlash on social media for participating in the event.
In an Instagram Live session, he defended his choice:
“Music has always been a unifier. My goal was to bring people together, no matter their background or beliefs.”
Fans and critics debated his comments online, with hashtags such as #NellyUnites and #JustADream2025 trending throughout the week.
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7) Zac Brown Band: Harmonizing Through Criticism
Country-rock group Zac Brown Band delivered a powerful performance of “Chicken Fried” and “My Old Man.” Their appearance at the event drew mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment over their involvement.
The band released a statement on their official website, addressing the criticism:
“Our music has always been about love, family, and patriotism. Performing at the inauguration was our way of honoring those values, regardless of political affiliations.”
The statement helped to calm tensions, and their fans rallied under the hashtag #MusicUnitesUs.
Follow Zac Brown Band:
- Instagram: @zacbrownband
- Twitter: @zacbrownband
8) Jewel: A Voice for Unity
Singer-songwriter Jewel surprised many with her soulful performance of “Who Will Save Your Soul.” The Alaskan artist, known for her emotional and apolitical music, clarified that her decision to perform was rooted in her desire to promote unity and healing.
Despite her intentions, Jewel faced online backlash, with some accusing her of aligning with a divisive administration. She responded in a thoughtful Instagram post:
“As an artist, my goal has always been to connect with people’s hearts. This performance was my way of bringing hope and reflection during a significant moment in history.”
Jewel’s words resonated with fans, sparking discussions on the role of music in bridging political divides.
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The Bigger Picture: Navigating Criticism in a Divided Era
Performing at a presidential inauguration is often a double-edged sword, especially in a politically polarized climate. For these artists, the 2025 inauguration was a platform to showcase their artistry, celebrate the nation, and spark conversations about unity. However, their participation came with its challenges, as they navigated public backlash and defended their decisions to perform.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 inauguration performances highlighted the complexity of using music as a medium for unity in politically charged times. Whether through social media posts, interviews, or live streams, these artists stood by their choices and reminded the world of music’s transcendent power.
What’s your take on celebrities performing at political events? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation online!
Follow the Conversation:
- Twitter: #Inauguration2025
- Instagram: #MusicForUnity