From Ethel Ennis to Lady Gaga: Stars who have sung at presidential inaugurations

Opera tenor Christopher Macchio has been chosen to perform the national anthem at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. He’ll join a line-up that includes country star Carrie Underwood, who will sing “America the Beautiful.”

A smaller crowd, but a big honour

“I was looking forward to seeing 100,000 people spread across the National Mall,” the 46-year-old said in an interview on Saturday. “Unfortunately, I won’t be getting that visual while I perform, but it’s still going to be such a tremendous honour," he said.

The ceremony Monday has been moved indoors because temperatures are set to plummet and make it the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years. The Capitol Rotunda holds only 600 people, while more than 250,000 guests were ticketed to view the inauguration from around the Capitol grounds.

A long standing connection with Trump

Macchio first entered Trump’s circle nine years ago, stepping in at the last minute to perform at a New Year’s Eve celebration. His performance was such a hit that Rod Stewart, who attended the gala, later invited him to sing at his 70th birthday party.

Their bond grew stronger after Macchio sang at the White House memorial service in 2020 for Trump’s brother, Robert. Macchio also performed at the Republican National Convention in July, Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in October, and his Madison Square Garden rally just before the election. After the Butler rally, Trump reportedly told Macchio, “I’ll be seeing you at the inauguration.”

A legacy of iconic performances

Macchio will join an impressive list of performers who have graced presidential inaugurations.

Here’s a look at some memorable moments from past ceremonies:

John F. Kennedy, 1961: Contralto Marian Anderson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965: The United States Marine Band performed the national anthem.

Richard Nixon, 1969: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, accompanied by the Marine Band, performed the anthem.

Richard Nixon, 1973: Jazz legend Ethel Ennis sang the national anthem.

Jimmy Carter, 1977: Cantor Isaac Goodfriend, a Holocaust survivor, performed with the U.S. Marine Band.

Ronald Reagan, 1981: Amateur singer Juanita Booker sang the anthem.

Ronald Reagan, 1985: The U.S. Marine Band performed, and opera singer Jessye Norman also sang.

George H W Bush, 1989: Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band performed the anthem.

Bill Clinton, 1993: Opera singer Marilyn Horne sang the anthem.

Bill Clinton, 1997: Santita Jackson and the Resurrection Choir sang the anthem. Jessye Norman also performed.

George W Bush, 2001: Army Staff Sgt. Alec T. Maly sang the anthem.

George W Bush, 2005: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradley Bennett performed, with additional performances by Susan Graham and Denyce Graves.

Barack Obama, 2009: The U S Navy Band Sea Chanters performed. Aretha Franklin also sang.

Barack Obama, 2013: Beyoncé performed the anthem but later admitted she had lip-synced to a pre-recorded track. James Taylor also performed.

Donald Trump, 2017: “America’s Got Talent” star Jackie Evancho sang the anthem.

Joe Biden, 2021: Lady Gaga performed the national anthem, with Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks also taking the stage.

AP