Trump Team Scrambles for A-List Inaugural Performers: ‘They Are Willing to Pay Anything’
Donald Trump’s inaugural committee is scrambling to lock in A-list Hollywood performers for the parties celebrating him — and having a rough time booking big names.
“They are willing to pay anything,” one of the insiders told TheWrap. “They told me, ‘We’ll pay their fees.’ Most of these artists’ fees are in the six to seven figures.” The insider said the Trump negotiator also offered to pay him for delivering top talent, saying, “Name your price.”
A third insider, a veteran inaugural organizer, said it is unusual to pay artists for the inauguration, considered a high-profile, high-prestige, patriotic gig.
“I’ve never heard of talent being compensated,” he said. “Nor have I heard of talent recruiters being compensated.”
The organizer told TheWrap that neither Beyonce, who famously performed a rendition of “At Last” during Barack and Michelle Obama’s first dance at the 2009 inaugural ball and the national anthem at the 2013 inauguration, nor Aretha Franklin, who sang at Obama 2009 swearing in ceremony, were paid anything other than production and travel expenses.
Taxpayers cover the cost of the inaugural swearing-in, security and parade, but the swanky inaugural balls and celebrations that follow are paid for by private donations.
The Times said Trump’s team is hoping to raise a record $65 million to $75 million to finance the inaugural balls and festivities. Big stars can help sell tickets to donors, which according to the Times can run anywhere from $25,000 to a $1 million.
Now that he’s president, Trump may have an easier time drawing talent than he did at the Republican National Convention, when Scott Baio was one of his biggest celebrity guests.
“He promised the biggest and the best entertainers,” an insider said. “He got Chachi and Antonio Sabato Jr.”
http://www.thewrap.com/trump-team-s...al-performers-willing-pay-anything-exclusive/