Carrie Underwood and Village People have received backlash after agreeing to perform for Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The inauguration will be held on January 20, officially making Trump the 47th president of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of supporters will gather at the National Mall in Washington D.C. next Monday. Underwood is set to perform ‘America the Beautiful’ at a ceremony after Trump is sworn in. Village People will play ‘Y.M.C.A.’ on Sunday at a ball hosted by right-wing organisation Turning Point USA.

“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Similarly, Village People posted a statement on Facebook addressing the controversial decision.

“We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” they wrote. “Our song 'Y.M.C.A.' is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”

Fans took to Underwood’s latest instagram post, expressing their disappointment.

“As a longtime fan that’s been to all of your concerts, including Vegas, I’m heartbroken at your decision to perform next week. I thought you stood for love & acceptance, not hate & judgement,” one wrote, receiving over 12,000 likes.

“The young gay boy that found so much solace and joy listening to your music growing up is devastated. So disheartening to see,” wrote another.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood)

The audience response to Village People’s statement was more mixed.

“Thank you for sharing your music and supporting our next President! Politics should be set aside at this point and support be given to the incoming President in respect to the office,” one Facebook user commented.

“I urge you to reconsider this decision and to reflect on the values that made your songs iconic in the first place. Stand with the community that has always stood by you,” wrote another.

Officials in Washington D.C. are prepared for large, excited crowds, with nearly 25,000 police officers and 7,800 National Guard members set to attend.