Country superstar and incoming “American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood delivered a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in ceremony for President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House on January 20, 2025. But due to scheduling and technical issues, she appeared much later in the ceremony than expected and had to deliver her song acapella.
The ceremony, typically held on the Capitol steps, was moved indoors due to frigid temperatures in Washington, D.C. Underwood, the only female celebrity scheduled to perform throughout inauguration day, remained behind the scenes during most of the ceremony.
Carrie Underwood Dazzles Crowd in Acapella Post-Address Performance
Underwood was originally scheduled to perform after Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the vice presidential oath of office to JD Vance, and just before Trump was sworn in as the 47th president by Chief Justice John Roberts. But because the program was running behind and the U.S. Constitution requires that the incoming president be sworn in by noon, their oaths were done back-to-back.
The scheduling change left many fans worried that Underwood had been bumped from the program. Many took to social media, including one who tweeted, “WHAT HAPPENED TO CARRIE UNDERWOOD PERFORMING?”
As Trump delivered his address, another quipped, “Who is this man speaking at the Carrie Underwood concert? #InaugurationDay”
After Trump’s address, Underwood was escorted out to stand next to the podium, but endured awkward silence as she waited for backup music that never played. Eventually, Underwood invited the audience to sing along and sang acapella in the Rotunda, while standing in front of newly former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
After her brief performance, she bowed as the audience gave her thunderous applause and turned to shake Biden’s hand. She then approached Trump, shaking his hand and leaning in as he spoke to her.
Fans React to Carrie Underwood’s Performance
GettyFans were wowed by Underwood’s ability to sing without musical accompaniment, with many commenting on social media that she dazzled under pressure.
One tweeted, “Carrie Underwood is a class act. Handled like a pro.”
Another wrote, “Carrie Underwood creates another great moment. Who needs instruments with that attitude voice and a large room full of inspired participants?”
Others issued amusing responses to the technical glitches, from memes showing the supposed audio staffers panicking behind the scenes to others joking that Trump would soon utter his famous line from his old “Apprentice” TV show — “you’re fired” — to the “sound guy.”
When it was announced on January 13 that Underwood would be performing at Trump’s inauguration, her fans were divided over the news, with some thrilled and others upset over her implied support for Trump.
In response, she told Today.com in a statement, “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 and looking to the future.”
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Fans React as Carrie Underwood Overcomes Inauguration Glitches & Delivers Acapella Performance: VIDEO