During Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, Carrie Underwood delivered an impromptu a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” after technical difficulties silenced her backing track. Dressed in a light gray sheath dress, Underwood addressed the audience, saying, “If you know the words, help me out here,” and proceeded to sing without accompaniment. She was joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and members of the crowd, which included former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.
Despite the initial awkwardness, Underwood’s performance was praised for its professionalism and grace under pressure. Fans commended her ability to turn a potentially embarrassing moment into a unifying experience. Some speculated about intentional sabotage, but no evidence supports these claims.
Underwood’s decision to perform at the inauguration attracted criticism from some fans and colleagues, including concerns from American Idol producers about potential political backlash. However, it was confirmed that her participation would not affect her role on the show. Underwood emphasized her commitment to unity, stating, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration… at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking … .”
