WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 (UPI) — Besides the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Radio City Rockettes have been booked to perform at Donald Trump‘s presidential inauguration next month.
The swearing-in ceremony is to take place Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
“The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a great tradition of performing at the inaugurals of U.S. presidents,” Ron Jarrett, president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, said on the vocal group’s website. “Singing the music of America is one of the things we do best. We are honored to be able to serve our country by providing music for the inauguration of our next president.”
“The Radio City Rockettes, an original American brand, have performed at Radio City Music Hall since 1932 and, as treasured American icons, have taken part in some of the nation’s most illustrious events such as Super Bowl halftime shows, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades and presidential inaugurations, including in 2001 and 2005,” James L. Dolan, executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company, which owns the Rockettes, said in a statement to NBC News. “We are honored that the Rockettes have again been asked to perform in the upcoming inauguration festivities.”
The Hollywood Reporter said Rockette Phoebe Pearl, however, wrote in a now-deleted message on her personal Instagram account that she is not happy about the scheduled appearance.
“I usually don’t use social media to make a political stand but I feel overwhelmed with emotion. Finding out that it has been decided for us that Rockettes will be performing at the Presidential inauguration makes me feel embarrassed and disappointed. The women I work with are intelligent and are full of love and the decision of performing for a man that stands for everything we’re against is appalling. I am speaking for just myself but please know that after we found out this news, we have been performing with tears in our eyes and heavy hearts. We will not be forced! #notmypresident,” Pearl posted.
Also expected to take the stage at the inauguration is 16-year-old soprano Jackie Evancho.
