Following a wave of criticism and backlash, Carrie Underwood was part of the 2025 Donald Trump inauguration. Right after President Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office and delivered his inaugural address, Underwood performed "America the Beautiful." The Armed Forces chorus and the United States Naval Academy glee club accompanied her. However, technical issues forced her to improvise a capella rendition of the song.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Right after Trump's address, a moment of awkward silence ensued. It appears that there were some technical issues with the music that seemed to glitch momentarily. Then, Underwood started to sing a cappella. "Oh beautiful, for spacious skies / For amber waves of grain / For purple mountain Majesties, Above the fruited plain," Underwood sang.
As many expected, numerous users online were particularly vocal about her performance. Some were appreciative and praised her for her a cappella rendition, while others continued with the criticism she received since she announced her inauguration performance a week earlier.
"First failure of the MAGA Convicted Felon admin, Carrie Underwood waiting for music," one user wrote. "Hey also, is Carrie Underwood going to sing "Louisville Slugger" for the Cheater, Convicted Felon and Adjudicated sexual offender tonight?" a second user said.
However, her performance was applauded by the majority of users online. "I always knew Carrie Underwood was amazing. But singing a cappella when the music wouldn't start... was another level," one user wrote. "Respect to Carrie Underwood calling an audible and going a capella," another user wrote.
The Underwood Controversy
Underwood shared the news of her inauguration performance via a statement shared with USA Today. "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 the 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."
Many of her fans and other users engaged in a politically charged tirade against Underwood, accusing her of supporting Trump and what he represents. "Shame on Carrie Underwood. She has been removed from my playlists. Is it so hard to stand up with moral principles?" one user wrote. "Carrie Underwood Jesus is about to take the wheel and drive your career right into the toilet," another user wrote.
However, many others were also supportive of her. Users online said that her participation served to cool down the heated political discourse. Lee Greenwood, who also performed during the inauguration, defended her during an interview with Fox News Digital. "Carrie Underwood is a great artist," Underwood told the outlet. "She will do a great job singing at the Capitol with 'America the Beautiful.'"
Other high-profile Underwood defenders included The View host Whoopi Goldberg who contrasted Joy Behar's labeling of Underwood as "un-American." "I stand behind her," Goldberg said. "If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe they have the same right."
Previously, Carrie Underwood has described herself as apolitical. This, however, marks the very first time she has ever performed at a presidential swear-in ceremony.
