During the inauguration of Donald Trump held in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday afternoon, Carrie Underwood delivered an impressive experience alongside Christopher Macchio’s powerful vocals.

The country music star began her performance of “America the Beautiful” after a brief pause for her musical backing, which encountered a technical glitch. Undeterred, the seasoned artist carried on with an a cappella version of the song.

Following Underwood’s heartfelt performance, opera singer Christopher Macchio, a longtime friend of Trump, took center stage to perform a commanding rendition of the national anthem.

The event, shifted indoors to escape the chilly weather in Washington, also featured Lee Greenwood, who sang his well-known song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Earlier that same evening, Greenwood had performed at a victory rally for Trump at the nearby Capital One Arena.

Here are some highlights.

Carrie Underwood Adapts and Sings A Cappella

Underwood represented the new administration of Donald J. Trump as the initial performer following his inaugural address, which lasted 30 minutes.

Positioned before former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Underwood switched gears when her instrumental music failed and sang “America the Beautiful” without accompaniment.

Clad in a simple sleeveless white dress, which was a departure from her usual glamorous outfits, Underwood’s performance was flawless. She gestured with her left hand as she hit the high notes, and many in the Capitol Rotunda joined in to sing along.

Biden was seen mouthing “great job” as Underwood shook his hand after her performance, before also greeting Trump and new Vice President JD Vance.

Underwood’s rendition was different from that of Jennifer Lopez at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, where Lopez combined “This Land is Your Land” with “America the Beautiful,” spoke a line of the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, and performed a segment of her hit “Let’s Get Loud” from her debut album “On the 6.”
 

National Anthem Singer Christopher Macchio Delivers with Confidence

Christopher Macchio, the opera singer favored by President Trump, showcased his powerful voice with an energetic performance of the national anthem at the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.

Dressed in a midnight blue velvet jacket, dark pants, and a white shirt without a tie, Macchio delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner,” firmly grasping the microphone with his left hand while many attendees placed their hands over their hearts, and Trump assumed a salute posture.

Macchio effortlessly navigated the more challenging sections of the song, his voice resonating above the music, his eyes squinting as he reached the final notes dramatically.

After finishing, Macchio immediately approached Trump, shook his hand with a smile, and raised his fist as he walked away from the presidential lectern.

Lee Greenwood Performs ‘God Bless the U.S.A’ in the Rotunda

Before the inauguration ceremony commenced, country singer Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless The U.S.A.”

Greenwood, dressed in a plaid navy suit with a tie, serenaded the political figures entering the Capitol Rotunda with his iconic anthem.

Greenwood’s connection to Trump deepened when the now-president began using his 1983 song—written in just 30 minutes on a tour bus—at various rallies.

His friendship with Trump also traces back to Greenwood’s wife, Kimberly, who served as the executive director of the Miss Tennessee USA pageant during the 1990s, while Trump co-owned the Miss Universe Organization. Over time, the two men became friends, and Greenwood performed at Trump’s inauguration in 2017 as well.

A lifelong Republican, Greenwood has sung at six Republican National Conventions and has made three inauguration appearances, previously singing “God Bless the U.S.A.” at George H.W. Bush’s swearing-in in 1989, in addition to his earlier performance for Trump.