Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The ‘American Idol’ graduate expressed that she felt “honored” to be invited to perform at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
Carrie Underwood paid tribute to the new president with a rare foray into political performance.
On Monday, Jan. 20, Underwood, 41, delivered a rendition of “America the Beautiful” in the Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., during President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which was moved indoors due to the freezing weather.
Following a delay caused by technical issues, Underwood took the stage for an a cappella performance, encouraging the audience to join in by saying, “You know the words.” Her invitation prompted a singalong from many attendees, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
After concluding her performance, the country star greeted President Trump and newly sworn-in Vice President JD Vance before leaving the stage.
On Monday, Jan. 13, a spokesperson for the Presidential Inaugural Committee confirmed to PEOPLE that the American Idol alum would take the stage at Trump’s inauguration. That same day, the “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer publicly addressed her choice to perform at the swearing-in ceremony for Trump, 78.
“I have deep love for our country and am truly honored to have been invited to sing at the Inauguration, playing a small role in this historic moment,” Underwood shared in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. “It’s humbling to answer the call during a time when unity and a forward-looking spirit are so important.”
Underwood had long chosen to keep her political beliefs private, explaining to The Guardian in 2019 that “nobody wins” when taking a public stance.
“It’s wild. People want to wrap everything up neatly, like it’s all black and white. But that’s just not the reality,” she told the outlet at the time.
During Trump’s 2017 inauguration, performers included America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Radio City Rockettes, The Missouri State University Chorale, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, all contributing to the inaugural events.