Country Star Underwood To Perform At Trump Inauguration


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Country music sensation Carrie Underwood has accepted an invitation to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration ceremony.

The eight-time Grammy Award winner, who has traditionally maintained a neutral stance on political matters throughout her two-decade career, expressed her patriotic sentiments when accepting the prestigious opportunity.

“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,” Underwood said in a statement. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

The Oklahoma-born artist, who will share the stage with the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, rose to fame after winning “American Idol” in 2005. Her debut album launched hit singles like “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” establishing her as a powerhouse in country music.

Despite her massive success, which includes eight studio albums and numerous accolades, Underwood has faced scrutiny regarding her role as a public figure. In a 2012 Associated Press interview, she addressed these pressures, stating, “The role-model word is really scary to me, because no matter what happens in your life, something you do, wear, say, sing, whatever — somebody somewhere is probably not going to like it too well.”

Throughout her career, Underwood has navigated diverse fan bases while maintaining privacy regarding her political views. In a 2008 TV Guide interview, she emphasized her stance on celebrity political endorsements: “I lose all respect for celebrities when they back a candidate. It’s saying that the American public isn’t smart enough to make their own decisions. I would never want anybody to vote for anything or anybody just because I told them to.”

Her 2012 comments supporting marriage equality sparked both controversy and support. “As a married person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be told I can’t marry somebody I love, and want to marry,” she told The Independent. “I can’t imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love.”

Now residing in Nashville with her husband Mike Fisher and their sons Isaiah and Jacob, Underwood continues to face political speculation. In a 2019 Guardian interview, she expressed frustration with attempts to categorize her politically, stating, “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins.”

Her inauguration performance announcement has generated mixed reactions. Country singer John Rich supported her decision, tweeting, “THERE SHE IS:) Carrie is a Patriot.” During an Amy & T.J. podcast discussion, T.J. Holmes defended the decision as participation in an American tradition, while Amy Robach praised Underwood’s choice.

On “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg defended Underwood’s decision, stating, “If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe they have the same right.”

As 2025 begins, Underwood prepares for a meaningful return to her roots as an “American Idol” judge. Reflecting on her journey, she shared in a recent announcement video, “I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show. I’m proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything I’ve accomplished since.”