At President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, country music star Carrie Underwood faced unexpected technical difficulties during her scheduled performance of "America the Beautiful." As she prepared to sing, the instrumental accompaniment abruptly failed, leaving her momentarily without musical backing. Demonstrating professionalism and poise, Underwood addressed the audience, saying, "You know the words — help me out here," before delivering a powerful a cappella rendition of the patriotic song.
Following her performance, Underwood proceeded to greet the dignitaries present. After shaking hands with former President Joe Biden, she approached President Trump. As they shook hands, Trump held on and leaned in, prompting Underwood to do the same. In that moment, Trump kissed her on the right temple.
Underwood's participation in the inauguration sparked varied reactions. Some praised her for her grace under pressure and her commitment to honoring her country, while others criticized her decision to perform at the event. Addressing her involvement, Underwood stated, "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."
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The inauguration ceremony also featured performances by other artists, including Lee Greenwood, who sang "God Bless the USA," and opera singer Christopher Macchio, who delivered the national anthem. Despite the unforeseen technical glitch, Underwood's impromptu a cappella performance was met with applause and appreciation from the attendees, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft.
ECONOMIC TIMES
In summary, while there was a notable interaction between President Trump and Carrie Underwood following her performance, there is no public record or credible report detailing any specific words exchanged between them at that moment.