Trump inauguration: Who won't be attending and why

Inauguration day may be the biggest day for any incoming US president - but come January 20th, Donald Trump won't be surrounded by A-list celebrities. 

Hollywood has thrown some serious shade at their new president - who despite not winning favour with a greater part of the American population, has spent a large part of his career cultivating relationships with Tinseltown's elite.

But despite this, the billionaire businessman-turned-politician has really struggled to compile a guest list of Hollywood's who's who to attend the prestigious inaugural function - a sign of his lack of support from many of Tinseltown's finest. 

Since winning the presidential elections in November 2016, Trump has continued his downward spiral in the popularity stakes with the greater American public. And Hollywood too, has been immune to his smooth-talking promises to "Make America Great Again."

The anti-Trump sentiment seems to have gripped most of Hollywood to such an extent, that it looks as if only B-list celebrities will be showing their allegiance by attending - and performing at this week's inauguration.

This, compared to predecessor Barack Obama's first inauguration, which saw scores of celebrities in attendance. 

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Those who will be performing in Washington come Friday include: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, America's Got Talent finalist Jackie Evancho, high-kicking dance company, The Rockettes; rock band, 3 Doors Down, and country singer Lee Greenwood - amongst a few other relatively-unknowns. 

And what's worse - now even a tribute band has pulled out of performing!

Bruce Springsteen tribute band, The B-Street Band, cancelled a performance at this week's event - out of respect for their musical inspiration. 

"We owe everything to [Bruce] and our gratitude and respect to the band is imperative above all else," lead singer Will Forte told reporters. "We had to make it known that we didn't want to seem disrespectful ... to Bruce, his music and his band." 

Springsteen has repeatedly voiced his anger and disgust at the president-elect.

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Sir Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion are amongst those stars who have also declined to participate. 

Country singer, Garth Brooks, was initially open to performing in Washington. “It’s always about serving. It’s what you do,” he said. However, shortly after, the musician rescinded his interest.

British X-Factor winner, Rebecca Ferguson, also seemed ready to perform at Trump’s inauguration. However, that soon fell away - after she insisted on singing Billie Holiday's Rendition of Strange Fruit - a haunting protest against the lynching of African-Americans.

“There are many grey areas about the offer for me to perform that I’m unable to share right now, but I will not be singing,” the singer said in a statement.

Award-winning music producer, David Foster, was also rumored to play a pivotal role in organizing the inauguration and recruiting some of his star collaborators. 

But he released a statement saying he had no idea where that story came from.“I was invited to participate and I politely declined,” he said.

Legendary rock band, KISS, also turned down an offer to play Trump's inauguration. 

Gene Simmons’ wife Shannon Tweed shouted “No!” at reporters when asked about rumours that the band would headline the event, saying the group had “politely declined” the offer.

Other celebrities who were invited - but declined - took to Twitter to share their sentiments.

Techno musician/ DJ, Moby, wrote on Instagram that he made a specific demand when asked to perform - which was, of course, declined.

Comedian George Lopez declined in response to Trump's racist views.

And rapper, Ice-T, couldn't be bothered.

But the award for most emphatic response to playing Trump’s inauguration goes to classical singer, Charlotte Church, who responded to Trump himself directly on Twitter. 

Twitter users, too, had a field day at the President-elect's lack of ability to attract an A-list crowd.

It's in complete contrast to Obama's inaugurations in 2009 and 2013 respectively - which were both star-studded affairs.

Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Oprah and Beyoncé all came to Barack Obama’s first inauguration - which also saw the likes of Anne Hathaway, Ron Howard, Spike Lee, Susan Sarandon, Kerry Washington, Bradley Cooper, Ashley Judd, Blair Underwood and Maggie Gyllenhaal in attendance. 

Elvis Costello, Sting, and R&B legend Sam Moore - also performed at the event. 

Likewise, Obama's recent farewell party was attended by a slew of celeb supporters. Last week, the President and First Lady hosted their final soirée in the White House - with all their famous friends joining in the festivities.

These included: John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Solange Knowles (who also performed), Meryl Streep, Bradley Cooper, Lena Dunham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hanks, George and Amal Clooney, and many, many more.

Meanwhile, more than 40 Democratic lawmakers will be boycotting Trump's inauguration - after revelations of Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 election, and his public rebuke of civil rights icon, John Lewis.

With more and more celebs eschewing invites to the inauguration, we can't help but wonder if the incoming US president's feelings aren't hurt - just a little. 

Tom Barrack, head of Trump's Presidential Inaugural Committee, recently told reporters that Trump "doesn't need or want celebrities at his swearing in."

But of course, it was Trump himself who had the last word... And by the looks of things, he doesn't seem to care. He is president of the free world now, after all!