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Presidential inaugurations have long been star-studded affairs, featuring performances from music legends like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Bruce Springsteen. With Donald Trump set to begin his second term on Monday, January 20, many are wondering who will take the stage this time around.
The wait is finally over.
On Wednesday, January 15, the full lineup of performers was revealed, and one name stood out — 2000s hitmaker Gavin DeGraw.
The 47-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for his platinum-certified song “I Don’t Want to Be,” which served as the theme for One Tree Hill, will headline at the Starlight Ball. The event is one of three inaugural balls scheduled for the evening, following Trump’s swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day.
DeGraw will join a lineup packed with big names. Carrie Underwood is set to sing “America the Beautiful” at the Capitol, while Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Kid Rock will perform at other inaugural events. The Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee described the weekend as a celebration of “music, unity, and patriotism,” in a statement obtained by NPR.
Not everyone is feeling united about DeGraw’s performance, though.
“Gavin Degraw being a trump supporter just ruined my day and hurts more than anyone else that has supported him,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Burning all my Gavin Degraw posters and merch as we speak,” another declared.
“And Gavin DeGraw can choke on chocolate covered cherries and watermelon that ISN’T seedless,” chimed in a third.
Still, some fans showed their support.
“Gavin DeGraw you a real one,” one fan said.
“I just fell in love with Carrie Underwood and Gavin DeGraw!” gushed another.
“Kid Rock and Gavin DeGraw NICE,” someone else added.
I just fell in love with Carrie Underwood and Gavin DeGraw! https://t.co/wbouYLv0Hd
— Jeff (@fivedaysafox) January 15, 2025
DeGraw recently wrapped up his Chariot 20 world tour, celebrating two decades since his debut album put him on the map. The tour included stops across the U.S., Europe, and Scandinavia, with a final performance in Oslo, Norway.
Reflecting on the milestone, the musician told People, “You tour the world a bunch of times, you take a bunch of naps and then you wake up and it’s 20 years later.”
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