Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump’s Second Inauguration

Carrie Underwood is set to perform at Donald Trump’s second inauguration, marking a surprising moment in her career. The country music star will sing “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 20.

“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,” Underwood said in a statement. “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.”

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media. Underwood, known for her non-political stance, previously stated that she tries to stay out of political discussions. In 2019, she explained in an interview, “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins.” This comment came after her public critique of Trump during a 2017 performance at the CMA Awards, where she participated in a parody song with Brad Paisley.

Despite her typically neutral stance, Underwood’s decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration has left many fans surprised, with some expressing disappointment. On social media, singer Cory A. Legendre wrote, “I hope Carrie Underwood is being paid well for her gig at Trump’s Inauguration, because I believe it’ll be one of the last meaningful (I use that word loosely here) gigs she gets.”

Trump’s team has faced difficulty booking high-profile celebrities for his events in the past. For his first inauguration in 2017, prominent names like Elton John, Celine Dion, and Garth Brooks turned down offers to perform. On the campaign trail last year, performances by Kanye West, Jason Aldean, and Kid Rock were among those secured.

Other performers slated for this month’s inauguration include the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. In contrast, Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration featured performances by artists such as Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez.

This unexpected move by Underwood highlights the ongoing intersection of music and politics, and it remains to be seen how it will impact her career and public image in the future.