Carrie Underwood to sing ‘America the Beautiful’ at Trump’s inauguration
In a notable announcement, President-elect Donald Trump has secured a prominent country artist to perform at his second inauguration.
Carrie Underwood is set to deliver a rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration next week. This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the Presidential Inaugural Committee to YSL News on Monday.
She will be joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
“I am proud of my country and feel privileged to have been invited to sing at the Inauguration, contributing to this significant occasion,” Underwood expressed in a statement to YSL News. “It is an honor to respond in a time when we need to unite and look forward together.”
The 41-year-old, known for her hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and as a winner of “American Idol,” will be one of the most recognized artists performing at either of Trump’s inaugurals.
Prior to his first inauguration in 2017, Trump held a concert at the Lincoln Memorial featuring artists like Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, and 3 Doors Down. Keith stated at the time, “I don’t regret performing for our country or its military.” Additionally, Jackie Evancho, an “America’s Got Talent” contestant, sang the national anthem during the 2017 swearing-in ceremony.
However, several artists reportedly declined invitations to perform for Trump, with Jennifer Holliday withdrawing from the 2017 welcome concert due to negative reactions. “I genuinely believed my performance would serve as a unifying force for our divided nation,” she said then.
“Unfortunately, I did not realize that singing at the concert would be interpreted as a political statement in favor of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, contradicting my personal beliefs.”
For President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, notable performers included Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez.
During a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Underwood, who has not publicly expressed support for Trump, elaborated on her choice to remain out of political discussions.
“I feel like more people attempt to label me politically,” she mentioned. “I try to stay as far from politics as possible in public because it leads to conflict. It’s chaotic. People want to simplify everything into black and white categories, but it’s really more complex than that.”
Recently, Underwood performed on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” show on December 31, hosted by Ryan Seacrest.