Country music star Carrie Underwood made headlines on January 20, 2025, as she performed 'America the Beautiful' at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The event took place at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where Underwood's stirring vocals filled the space after she faced unexpected technical difficulties with the music track.
Just moments after the swearing-in ceremony of Trump, who became the 47th President of the United States, Underwood had to shift gears when her music abruptly cut off. Instead of allowing the awkward silence to linger, she gracefully invited the audience to join her. "If you know the words, help me out here," she said, urging the audience to sing along, which they did enthusiastically, creating a powerful moment of unity and patriotism.
Wearing a sleeveless white dress, Underwood stood out not only for her fashion but for her commitment to conveying goodwill during the divided political climate. She was accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, though the technical malfunction left her performing solo initially.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Underwood stated, "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." Her comments emphasized the significance of her participation beyond politics, focusing instead on the spirit of unity she hoped to inspire.
The performance drew both applause and controversy, with Underwood facing criticism from some fans for aligning with Trump, whose presidency has been marked by divisiveness. Joy Behar, co-host of "The View," questioned her decision, asking, "How do you love your country and support and normalize somebody who was a convicted felon who really wants to destroy the country, in my opinion?"
Yet, not all voices chimed with disapproval. Whoopi Goldberg defended Underwood, highlighting the artist's right to choose where she performs. "I stand behind her. If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe they have the same right," she asserted. This exchange reflects the broader complexity of public opinions on celebrity involvement within political contexts.
The ceremony itself was steeped in tradition and expectations, featuring various artists. Besides Underwood, notable performances included Lee Greenwood's rendition of 'God Bless the USA' and opera singer Christopher Macchio who sang the national anthem. The participation of these artists reinforces the intermingling of entertainment with national celebrations.
Following her performance, Underwood was seen shaking hands with prominent figures, including former President Joe Biden and Vice President JD Vance. The friendly gestures symbolized goodwill, albeit within the charged atmosphere of the event, where sentiments about the presidency run deep across party lines.
Earlier before her performance, Underwood had expressed reluctance to dwell on her political views, stating, "I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy." Her history of maintaining privacy concerning political matters has only added layers to her decision to perform at such events, where personal beliefs and public persona clash.
Despite facing backlash, Underwood's performance resonates with her larger narrative as one of America’s beloved country artists. Notably, her fans found common ground amid their differing political affiliations at the inauguration, sharing moments of joy and patriotic expression through song.
The song 'America the Beautiful,' originally penned as 'Pikes Peak' by Katharine Lee Bates and set to music by Samuel A. Ward, is emblematic of national pride and unity, which seemed to echo through the rotunda as voices harmonized with Underwood's vibrant rendition.
Social media buzzed with reactions post-performance, highlighting the polarized views about her participation. Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted, "Not only is @carrieunderwood a Tennessean, but she is also a class act and a national treasure," showcasing the appreciation some felt for her contributions.
Underwood’s performance, marked by both technical difficulty and heartfelt connection, serves as a reminder of the blend of celebration and dissent within the public sphere. It encapsulates not just the moment of political transition but the enduring power of music to unite individuals, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.