Carrie Underwood is getting ready to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
During his 20-year career, “All American Girl” The crooner has mostly avoided expressing her political opinions. But the former “American Idol” winner expressed her love for the United States when she agreed to perform at the momentous occasion.
“I love our country and I’m honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” said Underwood, who will be joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. in the statement. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we all need to come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
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Carrie Underwood will perform at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. (Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
The Oklahoma native captured the hearts of many on “American Idol” in 2005. Following her win, Underwood found instant success with singles such as “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” from her debut album, as well as ” Some Hearts,” which became the best-selling debut album of all time by a solo female country artist. She has released eight more studio albums, including “Carnival Ride” (2007), “Play On” (2009), “Blown Away” (2012) and others.
“The word role model is really scary to me, because no matter what happens in your life, something you do, wear, say, sing, whatever – someone somewhere is probably not going to like it too much.”
But as one of the most influential female singers in country music, the eight-time Grammy winner’s personal and professional life has often faced criticism.
“The word role model is really scary to me, because no matter what happens in your life, something you do, wear, say, sing, whatever – someone somewhere is probably not going to like it too much,” she told Associated Press 2012 “I just try really hard to do what I do and try to be good to people and make great music, and if people think they can look up to that, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too.”
The country star first gained recognition during her time on “American Idol” in 2005. (Getty Images)
With a wide fan base from evangelical Christians to the LGBTQ+ community, Underwood’s political stance has often been at the center of debate.
“There’s somebody I support, but I don’t support publicly,” the country star told TV Guide in 2008. “I lose all respect for celebrities when they endorse a candidate. It says the American public isn’t smart enough to make their own decisions. I would never want for anyone to vote for anything or anyone just because I told them to.”
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Four years later, Underwood faced backlash and praise after appearing to publicly support gay marriage.
Throughout her 20-year career, Underwood’s political opinions have been the subject of debate. (Getty Images)
“As a married person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be told I can’t marry someone I love and want to marry,” she told The Independent 2012 “I can’t imagine what that feels like. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, publicly, the people we want to love.”
“Above all, God wanted us to love others. It is not about setting rules, or [saying] ‘Everyone must be like me’. Not. We are all different,” she added. “That’s what makes us special. We must love and get along with each other. It’s not for me to judge anyone.”
Underwood currently lives in Nashville with her husband, former NHL center Mike Fisher, and their two sons, Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5.
The country star mostly stayed away from politics. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AEG Presents)
During the interview with The Guardian In 2019, Underwood expressed her frustration with people trying to “pin it up.” [her] political places.”
“I try to stay out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins,” Underwood told the paper. “It’s crazy. Everyone’s trying to sum it all up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not.”
Criticism only intensified after she agreed to perform at Monday’s inauguration. While some questioned her decision, others supported the country star’s move.
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Country singer John Rich responded on X on Underwood’s decision to perform, writing, “HERE IS:) Carrie is a patriot.”
“The View” co-host Joy Behar Underwood called out last week and asked how the singer could possibly love America.
Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” during Monday’s inauguration ceremony. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AEG Presents)
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During the episode Amy & TJ podcast last week, TJ Holmes said, “You better believe a lot of her fans and a lot of people are divided about her participation—you can watch her response if you want—but she’s performing. Hey, it’s a curse … it’s the inauguration, it’s event in America, it’s a patriotic event in many ways, and it’s just a wonderful event that happens every four years in this country, who wouldn’t say yes? Can you not participate because people have a problem with a policy or a person?”
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“Yeah, I think Carrie Underwood made the right decision for her, and she has a beautiful voice and I can’t wait to hear it,” added Amy Robach.
“I stand behind her,” Whoopi Goldberg declared during an episode of “The View” after co-host Joy Behar Underwood called out and asked how the singer could possibly love America.
“If I believe I have the right to decide to go somewhere to perform, I believe they have the same right,” Goldberg continued. “So I have to support (her). That doesn’t mean I’m particularly interested in watching. I’m not going to watch. But that’s me.”
With 2025 in full swing, Underwood is looking ahead as she prepares for a full-circle moment: judging the next season of “American Idol.”
“I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she said in a video announcing her new job last year. “I’m proud of everything I’ve been able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”
