At Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a memorable performance of "America the Beautiful" in the Capitol Rotunda. However, technical difficulties prevented the planned musical accompaniment, leaving Underwood to sing a cappella. Demonstrating professionalism, she invited the audience to join her, saying, "You know the words, help me out here."
Afterward, as Underwood approached Trump to shake hands, he unexpectedly pulled her close and kissed her on the temple. Photographers captured this intimate moment, showing Trump's wife, Melania, observing nearby.
In the days following the event, reports emerged suggesting Underwood felt her performance lacked the grandeur of those by artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Sources claimed she experienced anxiety and was disappointed by the reduced scale of the ceremony, especially after the relocation from the National Mall to the Rotunda. An insider noted she felt she was "ushered in and out" and had a "mini hissy fit" afterward.
Despite these reports, Underwood has not publicly addressed the controversies. Instead, she promoted her upcoming "REFLECTION" concert special on Hulu, sharing a promotional image with the caption, "TOMORROW! Check out the #REFLECTION concert special on @hulu and #HuluOnDisneyPlus! #CUinVegas."
DAILY EXPRESS US
Overall, while Underwood's inauguration performance faced challenges, her ability to adapt and engage the audience highlighted her professionalism. The subsequent interactions and reports shed light on the complexities artists may encounter during high-profile events.