During President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a stirring a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” after a technical glitch silenced her backing track. Following her performance, Underwood greeted both outgoing President Joe Biden and newly sworn-in President Trump. While specific details of their brief interactions remain private, Underwood later expressed her honor in participating in the inauguration, emphasizing the importance of unity and looking toward the future.
Underwood’s participation in the event sparked mixed reactions from fans and the public. Some praised her for promoting unity, while others criticized her decision to perform. Despite the varied responses, Underwood maintained her stance on the significance of coming together as a nation during pivotal moments.
The inauguration also featured performances by other artists, including Billy Ray Cyrus, who faced similar technical difficulties during his set. These incidents highlighted the unpredictable nature of live events and the professionalism of the artists involved.