Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance: Triumphs, Controversies, and Reactions
When it was announced that Carrie Underwood would perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, it created quite a stir. Many people were not happy about her decision to be part of the event. Critics quickly voiced their disappointment, questioning her choice to perform for a president as controversial as Trump.
Despite the backlash, Carrie Underwood rose to the occasion, delivering a remarkable performance filled with challenges that she had to face head-on. Let’s dive into what happened that day and the mixed reactions that followed.
The Inaugural Performance: A Moment of Unexpected Challenges
Carrie Underwood was given the honor of being the first artist to perform after Donald Trump’s inaugural address. The speech, which lasted about 30 minutes, marked the official beginning of his second term as President of the United States.
As Underwood prepared to sing “America the Beautiful” in front of a crowd that included former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, she encountered an unexpected problem.
Just as she was ready to start, the audio system malfunctioned, cutting out the background music that was supposed to accompany her. With the eyes of the nation on her, Underwood could have easily gotten flustered—but instead, she showed remarkable professionalism and calm.
She made the decision to sing the song a cappella, without the music, relying entirely on her own voice.
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
Her performance was nothing short of spectacular. Dressed in a beautiful sleeveless white gown that swirled around her as she moved, Underwood’s voice filled the Capitol Rotunda.
Her stunning a cappella rendition had the audience captivated, with many joining in and singing along. Underwood’s powerful vocals easily soared over the room, hitting every note with precision, and her performance became one of the highlights of the day.
Warm Praise from Political Leaders
After the performance, Carrie Underwood was congratulated by some of the top figures at the event. She shared a handshake with former President Joe Biden, who appeared to mouth the words “great job” to her, clearly impressed with her ability to handle the challenging situation.
She also exchanged kind words with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Despite the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the inauguration, Underwood’s performance seemed to be appreciated by those who were there.
Mixed Reactions to Underwood’s Decision to Perform
While Carrie’s performance was widely praised by many in the audience, her decision to perform at the inauguration wasn’t welcomed by everyone. Some of her fans, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, voiced their disappointment.
They had long seen Underwood as an ally, particularly after the release of her 2017 song “Love Wins,” which promoted themes of inclusivity and love across all divides. The lyrics, such as:
“Politics and prejudice,
How the hell’d it ever come to this?”
“When everybody’s got to pick a side,
It don’t matter if you’re wrong or right.”
These lyrics had led many to believe that Underwood supported progressive causes like same-sex marriage. For some, performing at a politically divisive event like Trump’s inauguration seemed to contradict the values they had thought she stood for.
Carrie Defends Her Decision
Carrie Underwood did not shy away from addressing the criticism. She explained her decision to participate in the event by emphasizing her love for the country and the honor she felt in being part of such a historic moment. She said in a statement:
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration. To be a small part of this historic event is truly humbling. At a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and look to the future, I am proud to answer the call.”
Despite her heartfelt reasoning, some fans still felt betrayed. However, Underwood stood by her decision to perform, making it clear that she believed in the importance of uniting people, even in the face of political differences.
Support from Fellow Celebrities
Carrie wasn’t the only one speaking up for her right to choose. Actress Whoopi Goldberg, known for her outspoken opinions, weighed in on the controversy during an episode of The View. Although Goldberg said she personally wouldn’t watch the inauguration, she made an important point about respecting Underwood’s choice to perform:
“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. Her comments highlighted a crucial point: artists, like everyone else, have the right to make their own decisions—even if those decisions are not popular with some parts of the public.
A Day That Sparked Debate
Carrie Underwood’s performance at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration undoubtedly sparked much debate. On one hand, many admired her poise and professionalism in handling the technical difficulties and delivering an a cappella performance that was truly impressive.
On the other hand, her decision to perform at the inauguration left some fans questioning her political stance and whether she was betraying her own values.
What do you think of Carrie Underwood’s performance and her decision to be a part of the inauguration? Do you agree with her reasons for accepting the invitation, or do you think she should have passed on the opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
