Carrie Underwood’s unexpected snag at inauguration

When news broke that Carrie Underwood would be performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, the announcement stirred significant public reactions. Many individuals expressed dissatisfaction with her decision to participate in the event.

Despite the controversy surrounding her appearance, the actual performance brought its own set of challenges that required the singer to think on her feet.

What Happened at the Event?

Carrie Underwood had the honor of being the first artist to perform following Donald J. Trump’s inaugural address, which lasted approximately 30 minutes and marked the commencement of his second term as President of the United States.

As the country music star prepared to deliver her rendition of "America the Beautiful," she faced an unexpected technical issue. Standing in the Capitol Rotunda before an audience that included former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Underwood encountered a malfunction with the audio system. The glitch disrupted the background music, leaving her with no accompaniment. Demonstrating her professionalism and adaptability, Underwood chose to perform the song a cappella. Despite the setback, she maintained her composure and delivered an impressive performance, hitting all the challenging notes with ease.

Dressed in an elegant, sleeveless white gown that gracefully draped around her, Underwood captivated the audience. Many attendees joined in, singing along to her heartfelt rendition of the patriotic song. Her performance seemed to resonate deeply with those gathered for the occasion.

A Warm Reception from Leaders

Following her performance, Underwood received personal congratulations from key figures present. She shook hands with former President Joe Biden, who appeared to mouth the words “great job” to her. She also exchanged greetings with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, signaling mutual respect amidst a highly charged political environment.

Mixed Reactions to Her Involvement

While Carrie Underwood’s performance was well-received by many in attendance, her decision to participate in the inauguration celebrations was met with criticism from certain groups. The singer addressed the backlash in a statement, explaining her motivation for accepting the invitation:

“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 intentions, some of her fans, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, expressed disappointment. These fans had viewed Underwood as an ally due to the themes in her 2017 song, "Love Wins." The song’s lyrics take aim at divisive politics and promote inclusivity with 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 words had led many to believe that Underwood supported progressive causes, including same-sex marriage. Her decision to perform at the inauguration of a politically polarizing figure was seen by some as contradictory to the values they thought she represented.

Defending Her Choice

While critics voiced their disapproval, others stepped forward to defend Underwood’s decision. One such supporter was Whoopi Goldberg, who addressed the controversy on an episode of The View. Goldberg, while stating that she personally would not be watching the inauguration, emphasized the importance of respecting Underwood’s autonomy:

“If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform somewhere, I believe she has the same right.”

Goldberg’s remarks highlighted the broader principle of individual freedom, reminding audiences that artists have the right to make choices about their participation in events, even when those choices are unpopular.

What Did You Think?

Carrie Underwood’s performance at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration undoubtedly sparked conversation and debate. Some admired her ability to rise above technical difficulties and deliver a stunning a cappella performance, while others questioned her decision to be part of the event.

What are your thoughts on Carrie Underwood’s performance and her participation in this historic day? Share your opinions in the comments below.