On January 20, 2025, Carrie Underwood, the renowned country singer, performed “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s second inauguration ceremony, held at Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. The event was initially planned to take place outdoors but was shifted indoors due to the temperature falling below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
DailyMail.com sources revealed that Underwood had certain prerequisites for the performance. “She hired an army of security, was requesting a handmade designer dress for the performance, and demanded she be allowed a team of 20. She, of course, demanded tickets for her family and friends on top of that as well,” they reported.
Underwood professionally handled an unexpected halt in the accompanying music. She encouraged the audience, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, by saying, “You know the words……..help me out here.” The crowd responded, turning the technical issue into an unplanned cappella performance.
Prior to the ceremony, Underwood issued a statement: “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.” She added, “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Sources indicated that Underwood was notably dissatisfied with the venue conditions. The limited space allocated for her performance made her feel confined, increasing her anxiety throughout the event. She was also unhappy with her performance.
The 41-year-old singer reportedly felt that she was not afforded the same respect or recognition that performers such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga received at previous high-profile events. She expressed dissatisfaction with her treatment, feeling rushed in and out of the venue without much consideration for her comfort or performance needs.
Insiders stated that this led to a brief yet noticeable display of irritation from Underwood. Accustomed to performing in large arenas with a dedicated stage, she was particularly disheartened by the lack of a proper stage or platform for her performance, contrasting sharply with the grand setups provided for others at similar events.
The inauguration ceremony boasted a star-studded lineup, including Lee Greenwood, the Village People, Nelly, and Rascal Flatts. The event attracted prominent figures from various sectors, with tech industry leaders Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk seated alongside Trump’s cabinet picks and family members. Senator John Fetterman drew attention for his casual attire of a hoodie and shorts.
The performance sparked significant conversation within the entertainment community, especially among the LGBTQ+ audience, considering Underwood’s previous support for same-sex marriage and her 2017 song “Love Wins.” Her latest album, “Denim & Rhinestones,” secured a top 10 position on the Billboard 200 chart.
Following the performance, Underwood refrained from commenting on the event on social media. Her first post-performance post promoted her upcoming “REFLECTION” concert special on Hulu and Disney Plus, set to her 2018 song “Drinking Alone.” A source clarified that despite the less-than-ideal performance, Underwood remains “proud of herself” for “being able to save it from being a total disaster.”
The event was compared to previous presidential inaugurations, particularly Jennifer Lopez’s performance, who incorporated “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful” with a line of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish and part of her hit “Let’s Get Loud.” The contrast underscored the evolving nature of inaugural performances.
