Carrie Underwood, the renowned country singer and former American Idol winner, is set to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20. Underwood, 41, will sing “America the Beautiful” alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club ¹. This performance comes as a surprise to many, given Underwood’s previous stance on avoiding public involvement in politics.
Underwood has expressed her honor and love for the United States, stating that she is “humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future” ². However, her decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration has raised eyebrows, considering her earlier claims of neutrality in politics. In 2019, Underwood told The Guardian that she tries to stay out of politics, as “nobody wins” ³.
Despite her efforts to remain apolitical, Underwood has expressed her views on various issues through her music. Her song “The Bullet” was interpreted by some as a statement on gun control, although Underwood maintained that the song was about the lives affected by tragic events.
Underwood’s performance at Trump’s inauguration also comes seven years after she and fellow country star Brad Paisley poked fun at Trump at the 2017 Country Music Association Awards. The duo performed a parody of Underwood’s hit song “Before He Cheats,” replacing the chorus with “before he tweets.”
Underwood’s decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration has sparked controversy and debate. While some may view her performance as a symbol of unity and patriotism, others may see it as a contradiction to her earlier stance on politics. Regardless, Underwood’s performance is sure to be a highly anticipated and closely watched event.
