Stars shun Donald Trump’s invitation to perform at his ‘elegant’ inauguration concert

But some will not be theres to witness the moment the billionaire businessman makes his solemn pledge before entering the Oval Office.

Dozens of Democratic politicians have said they will boycott the Republican's swearing in, while thousands of protestors are expected to march the next day.

The inauguration concert after the ceremony will feature lesser-known acts including rock band 3 Doors Down and country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood.

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Donald Trump has had difficulty finding celebrities to appear his inauguration concert

The line-up shows the difficulty the politician has had finding celebrities to appear at what is usually a star-studded spectacle.

It’s nothing personal, his political views are his own, mine are very different

Elton John

For Barack Obama’s first inauguration concert the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Beyonce played. Celine Dion, Elton John and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli all reportedly declined invitations to perform at a Trump “Make America great again welcome celebration”.

Sir Elton said: “I’m British. I’ve met Donald Trump, he was very nice to me. It’s nothing personal, his political views are his own, mine are very different, I’m not a Republican in a million years.”

Trump’s pledge for a “special” and “elegant” event was issued on the same day it emerged that more than 50 Democratic lawmakers will boycott tomorrow’s event amid a feud between Trump and Congressman John Lewis.

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Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli reportedly declined an invitation to perform

Mr Lewis, 76, a veteran of the 1960s black rights struggle, called Trump’s victory illegitimate because of Russia’s “interference” in the election.

The President-elect hit back, attacking the Georgia lawmaker as “all talk, talk, talk – no action or results”, prompting outrage.

During the ceremony itself, A list stars will host a live telethon to raise money for pro-choice charity Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union.

And on Saturday, thousands are expected to attend a “Women’s March” in Washington including film stars Scarlett Johansson and Patricia Arquette.

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At Barack Obama’s first inauguration concert the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce played

Celebrities slam Donald Trump
Thu, January 12, 2017

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Meryl Streep and Hugh laurie both took a swipe at Donald Trump at the Golden Globes

Meanwhile today’s Garden State Gala in Washington DC has seen two acts drop out.

Bruce Springsteen tribute act the B-Street Band withdrew after pressure from fans. And Broadway singer Jennifer Holliday wrote an open letter apologising for originally agreeing to perform.

She said: “I did not take into consideration that my performing for the concert would actually instead be taken as a political act against my own personal beliefs.”

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