The country singer was criticized by some fans for her decision to accept the invitation to perform
Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday. The swearing in of the 47th president of the United States took place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda because of winter temperatures, as opposed to outdoors on the traditional “west front” of the building, which was besieged by a violent mob of Trump supporters, on Jan. 6, 2021.
Dressed in a cream colored gown, Underwood sang an a cappella rendition of the song after the prerecorded music track apparently failed. Following the brief performance, Underwood then clapped for the audience for singing along and proceeded to shake the hands of former president Joe Biden and the newly sworn-in President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
The decision by the Oklahoma native, Grand Ole Opry member, and American Idol judge to accept the invitation to perform at Trump’s inauguration ceremony was met with criticism by some fans, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, who’ve been targeted and vilified by Republicans. Underwood has publicly supported same-sex marriage (“As a married person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be told I can’t marry somebody I love, and want to marry. I can’t imagine how that must feel,” she said in 2012) and her 2018 song “Love Wins, released during Trump’s first term as president, was perceived as rebuke of divisive politics.
In a statement, Underwood said she viewed her decision to sing at the swearing-in as a show of unity. “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 said. “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.”
In addition to Underwood, the inauguration featured country singer and Bible salesman Lee Greenwood performing “Proud to Be an American” and vocalist Christopher Macchio delivering the National Anthem.
Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Parker McCollum, Nelly, and Gavin DeGraw are among the artists slated to perform at various inaugural balls on Monday evening.