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Carrie Underwood performs at the Inauguration Of Donald J. Trump

Carrie Underwood suffers malfunction while singing at Donald Trump's inauguration

The country music star attended the swearing-in ceremony

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
January 20, 2025
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Carrie Underwood was honored to perform "America the Beautiful" at Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. 

But the singer divided fans with her appearance at the historical event. 

Carrie wowed in chic, grey dress which was a far cry from her famous glitzy onstage outfits as she belted out the tune faultlessly. She looked elegant, calm and relaxed and Trump could be seen mouthing "wow," when he heard her voice. 

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Carrie Underwood performs at the inauguration of Donald Trump

It didn't start well though, as the band who were supposed to be supporting her had a malfunction. She therefore made the crowd laugh by asking for their help before singing acapella.

Celebrity attendees from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos watched on as Carrie sang. 

It wasn't long before social media was alight with fans commenting on her performance. Many TV anchors also addressed her professionalism over the situation with Savannah Guthrie calling her a "pro."

Carrie belted out America the Beautiful © Getty Images
Carrie belted out America the Beautiful

With the event being political-divisive, it wasn't surprising that Carrie received mixed reviews. 

While there was no denying her impressive vocal prowess, not all fans were happy to see her perform and said they were "disappointed."

Carrie previously addressed her decision to sing at the presidential inauguration and said she felt gratitude and as sense of duty. 

Carrie Underwood performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on August 02, 2024 in New York City.© Getty Images
Carrie is used to show-stopping onstage outfits

In a statement obtained by USA Today, she said she was "honoured" and "humbled."

"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," Carrie shared. 

"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."

US President Donald Trump speaks to officials during a roundtable discussion on community safety© AFP via Getty Images
Trump was sworn in as the 47th POTUS

Many have applauded her for putting patriotism above politics, but there were others who questioned her morals. 

She's previously refused to reveal her political views. 

Back in 2019, she told The Guardian: "I like to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it's not like that."

Carrie Underwood singing America the Beautiful© AFP via Getty Images
Carrie sparked a reaction with her rendition

Joining Carrie are opera singer Christopher Macchio, who performed the National Anthem, Lee Greenwood to sing his 1984 hit "God Bless America," and the Village People.

5 surprising Donald Trump facts

Smiling Donald Trump in blue suit and orange tie with white slanted stripes© Getty Images

1. Pet hates

He is one of only three US presidents never to have had any presidential pets. When he assumed office in 2016, he was the first in 100 years not to have pets in the White House, with only James K. Polk and Andrew Johnson abstaining before then.

2. Man of convictions

He is the first ever convicted felon to become president of the United States after being sentenced on 34 different charges pertaining to his hush money case in New York City in 2024.

3. Till divorce do us part

He has been married three times: to Ivana Trump from 1977 to 1990, Marla Maples from 1993 to 1999, and current wife Melania Trump in 2005.

4. Lights, cameos, action

He has made a slew of cameos on popular TV shows and movies, such as Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Sex and the City, Two Weeks Notice, Zoolander, and The Nanny, among others.

5. Alcohol free

He claims never to have drunk alcohol in his life, inspired by older brother Fred “Freddy” Trump Jr who was an alcoholic and died in 1981 aged 42 from a heart attack linked to years of alcohol abuse.

The latter shared a statement as well on their official Facebook page, which read: "We are announcing today that VILLAGE PEOPLE have accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump's campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump." 

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