Country music star Carrie Underwood faced an unexpected technical challenge during her performance at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. While singing “America the Beautiful,” a background music malfunction forced the 41-year-old artist to perform a cappella. The Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club quickly stepped in to support her, showcasing her resilience and professionalism during the event.
The performance took place at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where Underwood was part of the lineup celebrating Trump’s return to office. In the presence of former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump, and other dignitaries, Underwood addressed the audience, saying, “You know the words—help me out here,” inviting them to join in. Her composed reaction to the mishap earned her praise, as she performed with enthusiasm and good spirits.
Underwood appeared elegant in a chic white dress, complemented by diamond earrings and a silver bracelet, making a statement with her timeless style. Following her performance, she greeted Trump and Vice President JD Vance, marking her role in the star-studded lineup for the day’s festivities.
Other performers included Lee Greenwood, who sang “God Bless the USA,” and Christopher Macchio, who delivered the national anthem. However, Underwood’s decision to perform at the event was met with lots of controversy. The View co-host Joy Behar criticised her, stating:
“She says, ‘I love our country.’ How do you love your country and support and normalise somebody who was a convicted felon who really wants to destroy the country, in my opinion? I don’t understand how you say you love your country at the same time that you normalise this convicted felon.”
Despite the polarising opinions, Underwood’s performance underscored her professionalism and ability to rise above challenges, solidifying her role as a key figure in the inauguration ceremony.
Carrie said publicly after the news broke that she would be singing at President Trump’s inauguration, “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. 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.”
Carrie told The Guardian in 2019, “I feel like more people try to pin me places politically. I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that.”