6 min read
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood is set to perform “America the Beautiful” at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, marking a significant moment in her illustrious career.
The announcement, confirmed by Trump’s transition team, has generated widespread attention, further highlighting Underwood’s ability to captivate audiences on both national and global stages.
Here’s everything you need to know about this high-profile performance and its broader implications!
The inauguration of a U.S. president is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition, and this year, Carrie Underwood will add her voice to the ceremony. Performing alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Underwood’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” is expected to be a stirring tribute to the nation.
The news broke on January 13 through the political outlet Axios, sparking discussions across social media and news platforms. A circulated program of events for the day confirms Underwood’s appearance as a key highlight of the inauguration, scheduled to occur just before Trump takes the Presidential Oath of Office.
This placement underlines the significance of her performance as a prelude to one of the day’s defining moments.
While Underwood’s participation in the inauguration has attracted considerable attention, it is worth noting her history of maintaining a neutral political stance. Unlike many of her peers in the entertainment industry, Underwood has not publicly endorsed any candidates during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
In fact, she has consistently refrained from sharing her political viewpoints, focusing instead on her music and connecting with her fans through her artistry. This apolitical approach has allowed her to build a diverse fan base that transcends political affiliations, ensuring her music resonates with audiences across the spectrum.
Despite her avoidance of overt political commentary, Underwood has occasionally found herself indirectly involved in political discourse. In 2021, her husband, Mike Fisher, voiced his support for football quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ decision to decline the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fisher’s public stance, shared via social media, argued that athletes should not be penalized for personal health decisions. Underwood’s subtle acknowledgment of this post, via a “like,” stirred debates among fans and critics.
This incident underscored the challenges faced by public figures in navigating personal beliefs and public expectations. However, Underwood’s decision to steer clear of direct political engagement has largely insulated her from the more divisive reactions that other artists often encounter.
Underwood’s performance at Trump’s inauguration also places her within a broader context of country music’s relationship with political figures. The genre has historically been associated with patriotic themes, and many of its prominent artists have openly supported conservative politicians.
Jason Aldean, for example, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, introducing him at a rally in Georgia and maintaining a close personal relationship with the president-elect. Similarly, artists like Chris Janson, Kid Rock, and Hank Williams Jr. have expressed their alignment with Trump’s vision for the country.
These endorsements highlight the strong ties between country music and conservative values, though Underwood’s approach remains notably more reserved.
“America the Beautiful” is a song deeply ingrained in American culture, often evoking feelings of pride and unity. Underwood’s decision to perform this particular piece reflects her commitment to celebrating the nation’s heritage and values, irrespective of political divides.
Her powerful voice and emotive delivery are expected to bring new life to this timeless classic, resonating with audiences both at the inauguration and beyond.
The inclusion of the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club further amplifies the patriotic tone of the performance, creating a moment that will likely be remembered for years to come.
The announcement of Underwood’s involvement in the inauguration quickly sparked reactions on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Fans and critics alike shared their thoughts, with some applauding her for taking on such a prestigious role and others questioning her decision given the polarizing nature of Trump’s presidency.
One tweet that gained significant attention came from Matthew Foldi, who shared the news along with a program listing Underwood’s performance. The post generated thousands of likes, comments, and shares, illustrating the widespread interest in her participation.
While opinions varied, the overall sentiment highlighted Underwood’s influence as a cultural icon.
Music has long been an integral part of presidential inaugurations, serving as a means of uniting the nation and setting the tone for a new administration.
From Aretha Franklin’s soulful rendition of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration to Garth Brooks’ performance at Joe Biden’s ceremony in 2021, artists have played a pivotal role in these historic events.
Underwood’s performance continues this tradition, adding her name to a prestigious list of musicians who have contributed to these momentous occasions. Her participation not only reinforces her status as one of country music’s leading figures but also highlights the unifying power of music in times of political transition.

As the inauguration approaches, anticipation for Underwood’s performance continues to build. Her ability to deliver emotionally charged and technically flawless performances makes her an ideal choice for this significant event.
While her participation has sparked debates, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating shared values and cultural heritage. For Underwood, this performance represents another milestone in a career defined by excellence and authenticity.
As she takes the stage on January 20, millions of viewers will be watching, united by the power of her voice and the enduring message of “America the Beautiful.”
| Artist | President Supported | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Aldean | Donald Trump | Rally in Georgia | 2024 |
| Garth Brooks | Joe Biden | Presidential Inauguration | 2021 |
| Kid Rock | Donald Trump | Campaign Rallies | Multiple |
| Hank Williams Jr. | Donald Trump | Political Endorsements | 2024 |
| Carrie Underwood | Neutral | Trump Inauguration Performance | 2025 |
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