6:07 p.m. ET: Trump congratulated the performers and thanked the military talent and his supporters to wrap up the evening.
“This journey began 18 months ago," he said. "I had something to do with it but you had more to do with it than I did … I’m just the messenger … we all got tired of seeing what was happening … we wanted real change. I look so forward to tomorrow … [this concert] is a movement that started and a movement like we’ve never seen … and it's something very, very special and we are going to unify our country .... and we are going to make America great for all of our people throughout our country,” he continued. “You are not forgotten anymore. I want to thank my great family, my incredible wife, Melania, they’ve been so supportive and it wasn’t easy for them … I want to thank you most importantly and I promise you that I will work so hard. We are going to get it turned around … it’s going to change, I promise you ... I love you, folks, we are going to work together and we are going to make America great again and greater than ever before," he concluded before an impressive fireworks show went off.
Trump's youngest son, Barron, was noticeably absent from the big event.
6:04 p.m. ET: Tom Barrack, Chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, took to the stage to introduce and praise Trump, who then addressed the crowd for the first time this evening.
5:50 p.m. ET: Toby Keith took the stage much to the crowd’s excitement and performed “American Solider” and “Made in America” while drinking from a red solo cup between songs.
Keith also sang "Courtesy of The Red, White and Blue" causing fans on social media to wonder if he'll perform mega hit "Red Solo Cup."
5:35 p.m. ET: YouTube sensation The Piano Guys offered a change of pace. The four men gave an impressive performance, using their hands to play the piano strings as well as the keys as they covered One Directions’ “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Again, Trump's sway continued to keep Twitter entertained:
The best thing about the Trump #inauguralconcert is his awkward side-to-side sway dancing.
5:32 p.m. ET: DJ Ravidrums returned for another performance. Prior to his return, Trump was caught wiping away a tear to 3 Doors Down’s “Here Without You.” One user on Twitter joked Trump was sad that Hoobastankwasn’t available.
5:13 p.m. ET: 3 Doors Down was next to perform. The rock band performed throwback hits including “The Broken,” “When I’m Gone," “Kryptonite” and "Here Without You." Viewers were quick to take to Twitter to mock Trump's subtle dance moves while late-night host Jimmy Kimmel joked that: "3 Doors Down is where Melania sleeps."
5:09 p.m. ET: Lee Greenwood joined the Frontmen of Country on stage to perform “Proud to Be An American” as Trump sang along. The President-elect embraced all four men after their performances and thanked them.
4:53 p.m. ET: Donald Trump made his anticipated entrance alongside wifeMelania Trump to the tune of the Rolling Stones' "Heart of Stone." Clad in a black trench coat and bright blue tie, he held hands with Melania as he made his way to the center of the platform. Trump and the former model then joined their family at their seats. The crowd then started cheering "Trump! Trump! Trump!" before The Frontmen of Country's Richie McDonald, Tim Rush and Larry Stewart performed a medley of their greatest hits.
4:44 p.m. ET: The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps was next to perform as the crowd still awaits Trump’s entrance.
4:30 p.m. ET: Jon Voight then took the podium, exclaiming “This is some day!” while stating he was honored to welcome all to the inauguration. “We have all been witness to a very grueling year and a half for the President-elect … There has been a barrage of propaganda against the President-Elect ... whose only desire was to make America great again … he certainly didn’t need this job … God answered our prayers … because here it is! We will be part of history … America will be saved by an honest and good man who will work for all the people no matter their color … so my friends let us rejoice in knowing … we will see a renewed America,” he concluded before introducing Grammy winning soul singer Sam Moore, who performed “America the Beautiful.”
4:28 p.m. ET: DJ Ravidrums was first to perform at the big event. With his signature mohawk in full force, the drummer rocked out while jamming on a set of acrylic drums.
4:24 p.m. ET: While awaiting Trump’s big entrance, all stood to sing the National Anthem.
Update 4:13 p.m. ET: The concert kicked off with a military orchestra performance as Donald Trump’s famous family made their way onstage to their seats at the Lincoln Memorial. Ivanka especially stood out in a green dress and matching green trench. The fashion designer and her husband, Jared Kushner, helped their daughter, Arabella, make her way to her seat by holding her hand.
Original story continues below
The time has come. President-elect Donald Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence are kicking off the inauguration festivities with a concert dubbed the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, January 19. Watch the livestream above and stick with IPRESSTV for live updates throughout the concert.
As previously reported, Trump and Pence will both deliver remarks, and Oscar winner Jon Voight is also expected to speak during the event.
Performances by Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, the Piano Guys, Lee Greenwood, Ravidrums, various military bands and a variety of other performers will also go down during the two-hour event, which will conclude with a fireworks show provided by Grucci.
Updates to come.
