Carrie Underwood’s performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration was anything but smooth sailing. The country music superstar, known for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, took on the challenge of performing “America The Beautiful” in a less-than-ideal setting. But behind the scenes, it seems the day left Underwood feeling frustrated and undervalued.
Carrie Underwood overcomes technical snafu in Trump inauguration with powerful a cappella performance of 'America the Beautiful'. Credit: EPA
Technical Glitches and an Unexpected A Cappella Moment
Underwood’s performance was hit by technical issues when the backing track failed to play as she was about to sing. With the eyes of the nation on her, she quickly pivoted and delivered an a cappella rendition of the patriotic anthem. To the millions watching on television, the switch appeared effortless, even earning her widespread praise for her professionalism and grace under pressure.
The audience in attendance was also charmed by her ability to turn an awkward moment into a memorable one. At one point, Underwood even invited the crowd to join her, calling out, “If you know the words, help me out here!” Social media erupted with admiration for her impromptu performance, with one fan tweeting, “Carrie Underwood doesn’t need auto-tune; auto-tune probably takes notes from her.”
Feeling Snubbed Behind the Scenes
Despite the public applause, sources close to Underwood revealed that she was deeply disappointed by how the event played out. The swearing-in ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures, which meant the usual grandeur and spacious staging were scaled back significantly.
President Trump thanked Carrie with a handshake. Credit: EPA
“Carrie felt cramped and uncomfortable in the indoor venue,” an insider shared. “She’s used to performing on massive stages where she has room to shine. This setting made her feel like she was just in a room with people and a microphone, not on a stage worthy of such a historic occasion.”
Adding to her frustration, Underwood reportedly felt that she wasn’t given the same level of respect or fanfare as other artists who have performed at inaugurations, like Beyoncé or Lady Gaga. Another source noted, “She was ushered in and out so quickly, it didn’t feel like the moment she had hoped for.”
Balancing Frustration with Pride
While the behind-the-scenes chatter paints a picture of dissatisfaction, Underwood has also expressed pride in how she handled the situation. Despite the hiccups, she managed to deliver a performance that resonated with many and avoided turning into a disaster.
In a statement addressing both praise and criticism, Underwood shared, “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. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity.”
Her fans were quick to come to her defense on social media, highlighting her ability to rise to the occasion. “Imagine being so talented that when technology fails, you just go, ‘Fine, I’ll do it live!’ and crush it a cappella in front of thousands,” one user posted.
A Day to Remember
While the day didn’t go as planned for Carrie Underwood, it’s clear that she left an impression, both with her resilience and her undeniable talent. Though the technical issues and cramped setting may have left her feeling snubbed, Underwood’s performance reminded everyone why she remains one of the most respected voices in country music.
For fans and critics alike, her ability to turn a challenging moment into a triumphant one is what makes her a true class act.
Comments