A spokesman for Donald Trump’s Presidential Inaugural Committee denied have any trouble booking celebrity performers during an appearance on CNN Tuesday morning, and promised more performers will be announced soon.
“Are you guys having trouble finding celebrities to participate in the Inauguration as has been reported?” Don Lemon asked Boris Epshteyn, the director of communications for the committee.
“Not at all, Don,” Epshteyn said. “This is not Woodstock. It’s not Summer Jam. It’s not a concert, it’s not about the celebrities… It’s about the people.”
As TheWrap first reported, Trump’s team is struggling to book A-list performers for his inaugural festivities, with two talent bookers saying they were offered ambassadorships if they could deliver marquee names. The inauguration team has its sights set on top-tier talents like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Aretha Franklin, and are willing to pay steep fees for the performers.
Trump’s team has managed to enlist 16-year-old former “America’s Got Talent” star Jackie Evancho to sing the national anthem. They’ve also booked the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Radio City Rockettes.
Several high-caliber performers have already publicly rejected requests to take part in the Jan. 20 festivities, including Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Elton John and operatic singer Andrea Bocelli.
Epshteyn said acts like the Rockettes and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent the American people.
Lemon pressed, asking if more celebrities will be added to the lineup.
“We’ll absolutely be rolling more out. No question, about it,” Epshteyn said. “We are excited about the other ones we’ll be rolling it.”