It has been announced that the country music sensation, Carrie Underwood, is set to perform at the forthcoming inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. She is scheduled to render a rendition of “America the Beautiful” on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol, which will take place after Vice President J.D. Vance’s oath of office and prior to Trump being sworn in as the 47th president.
Matthew Foldi, a political journalist, was the first to break the news, revealing that Underwood, aged 41, will be performing alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. Adding to the musical array for the day, opera singer Christopher Macchio will be singing the national anthem.
Underwood expressed her reaction to being chosen to perform at the inauguration, stating, “I am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. It’s a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and look to the future.” Her performance, sources close to her revealed, is intended to be “for America,” rather than specifically for Trump, underscoring the historical significance of the event over political allegiances.
Underwood’s participation in the inauguration has sparked a range of online reactions, with some expressing disapproval because of Trump’s controversial legacy, while others lauded her for respecting the occasion. Some online users pointed out her past controversies, while others defended her decision, arguing that artists should be free to perform without being bound by political affiliations.
Whoopi Goldberg voiced her support for Underwood’s decision on January 14 on “The View,” declaring, “I stand behind her. She has the right to sing wherever she wants.” Alyssa Farah Griffin, a conservative cohost who previously served under Trump at the White House, voiced her disappointment with the societal tendency to “jeopardize people’s careers simply because we disagree with their politics.”
Trump’s inauguration, marking his return to the White House, makes him the second president in U.S. history, following Grover Cleveland who served as the 22nd and 24th president in the late 19th century, to serve non-consecutive terms. The ceremony will encompass traditional elements such as the official swearing-in, a congressional luncheon, a military review, and a presidential parade. In light of recent national security issues, heightened security measures are being managed by the Secret Service, FBI, and National Guard.
Underwood has generally refrained from political commentary throughout her career. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she stated, “I try to stay out of politics because it feels like no one benefits, and it’s overwhelming.” Despite this approach, which has helped her to maintain a wide fanbase, there have been instances, such as her liking of an anti-mask video in 2021, that have attracted criticism.
Her decision to perform at the inauguration has brought comparisons with other artists who have performed at similar events, sparking renewed debate about the role of musicians in political ceremonies. Fans also recalled a 2017 parody performance by Underwood and Brad Paisley at the Country Music Association Awards, which was seen by some as a humorous critique of Trump’s social media habits.
Despite varied reactions, Underwood’s career seems unscathed. The producers of “American Idol,” where she serves as a judge, have expressed their full backing, and insiders anticipate that the controversy will not have a lasting impact given her entrenched status in the country music industry.
Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” is anticipated to be a high point of the inauguration ceremony, reflecting her belief in unity and the power of music to unite people during divisive times. The event will also be comprised of other ceremonial elements, including the official swearing-in ceremonies and additional musical performances by military ensembles.
