Carrie Underwood’s Performance at Trump’s Inauguration: A Stunning Moment and the Controversy Behind It
When it was announced that Carrie Underwood would perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, the news quickly made headlines. The country music superstar’s involvement stirred up strong reactions from the public, with many people expressing disappointment and even anger about her decision to participate in the event.
Some were surprised that Underwood, known for her powerful music and message of unity, would align herself with a highly polarizing political figure like Trump.
Despite the controversy surrounding her appearance, Carrie Underwood rose to the occasion in an unforgettable way, proving her professionalism and talent under pressure. Her performance wasn’t just a musical moment—it became a symbol of the complex emotions and divided opinions surrounding the event.
What Happened at the Event?
Carrie Underwood had the honor of being the first artist to perform after Donald Trump’s inaugural address, which lasted around 30 minutes and marked the beginning of his second term as the 47th President of the United States.
As she prepared to sing “America the Beautiful” in the Capitol Rotunda, the country music star was faced with an unexpected challenge: a technical malfunction that disrupted the audio system.
With no music to back her up, Underwood could have panicked, but instead, she made a quick decision to sing a cappella. The crowd, which included former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, watched in awe as she confidently launched into the iconic song with no accompaniment.
Despite the technical glitch, Underwood maintained her composure, hitting all the difficult notes with ease. Her performance was flawless, and her voice echoed through the Rotunda, leaving a lasting impression on everyone there.
I mean…let’s just have one more conversation about what freaking class act @carrieunderwood was today. Not only did she wing it flawlessly, she invited the crowd, and she didn’t run away with the song or add anything crazy. It was a group project and she sounded like an angel pic.twitter.com/TPY9Oi8qVK
— Kira (@RealKiraDavis) January 20, 2025
Standing in a beautiful sleeveless white gown that gracefully draped around her, Underwood captivated the audience. Many of the attendees were so moved by her rendition that they joined in, singing along with her to the patriotic tune. The song felt like a rallying cry for unity, and Underwood’s voice seemed to bring people together, even amidst the tensions surrounding the inauguration.
A Warm Reception from Leaders
After her performance, Carrie Underwood received warm praise from key figures at the event. Former President Joe Biden, who had just witnessed Underwood’s powerful performance, greeted her with a handshake and appeared to mouth the words, “Great job” to her.
She also exchanged smiles and handshakes with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. These brief but meaningful interactions showed that, despite the political divide, there was mutual respect for Underwood’s talent and professionalism.
Many in the audience were quick to recognize Underwood’s ability to stay calm and composed, especially given the unexpected glitch. But while the performance was well-received by many, it didn’t come without criticism from others.
Mixed Reactions to Her Involvement
While Carrie Underwood’s performance was praised by some, her decision to perform at the inauguration sparked strong reactions from others, especially from her fans within the LGBTQ+ community.
For years, Carrie Underwood had been seen by many as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, largely due to the themes of love and inclusivity in her 2017 song “Love Wins.” The lyrics, which take aim at divisive politics and promote a message of unity, had led many to believe that Underwood supported progressive values, including same-sex marriage.
Some fans felt confused and even betrayed by her decision to perform at an event associated with a president whose policies and views many in the LGBTQ+ community found problematic. The chorus of “Love Wins” famously includes lines like:
“Politics and prejudice,
How the hell’d it ever come to this?”
and
“When everybody’s got to pick a side,
It don’t matter if you’re wrong or right.”
These lyrics had made many of her fans feel as though Underwood stood for inclusivity and love, no matter what side of the political spectrum one might fall on. So, when she decided to perform for Trump’s inauguration, some of those same fans felt conflicted, as if the singer had aligned herself with a figure they found to be the opposite of what she had sung about.
Defending Her Choice
Despite the backlash, some people came to Carrie Underwood’s defense. One prominent supporter was actress and television host Whoopi Goldberg, who addressed the controversy on The View. While Goldberg made it clear that she personally wouldn’t be watching the inauguration, she stressed the importance of respecting Underwood’s right to make her own choices.
“If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform somewhere, I believe she has the same right,” Goldberg said. “It’s her choice, just like it’s my choice not to watch. We have to respect that.”
Goldberg’s comments reflected a larger, broader principle: the right for artists and individuals to make their own decisions, even when those decisions go against popular opinion. She emphasized that, while she may not agree with Underwood’s decision, she would never deny the country singer her freedom to make that choice.
What Did You Think?
Carrie Underwood’s performance at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration undoubtedly sparked a wide range of opinions. Some admired her ability to rise above the technical challenges and deliver an unforgettable a cappella performance, while others questioned her choice to be part of such a politically charged event.
Regardless of the opinions about her involvement, Carrie Underwood’s performance was a moment of resilience and talent. She faced a tough situation and still managed to leave a lasting impact.
What do you think of Carrie Underwood’s performance? Do you think she should have performed at the inauguration, or do you feel her decision contradicted the values she’s expressed in her music? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
