Carrie Underwood is preparing to perform at the swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump.
Throughout her 20-year career, she has been… “All American Girl” The singer has mostly avoided expressing her political views. But the former American Idol winner expressed her love for the United States when she agreed to perform at the momentous occasion.
“I love our country and I am honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” said Underwood, who will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club. In a statement. “I am honored to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Joy Behar wonders how Carrie Underwood can love country if she's performing for Trump
Carrie Underwood will perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. (Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
The Oklahoma native captured the hearts of many on “American Idol” in 2005. After her win, Underwood achieved instant success with singles like “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” from her debut album, as well as “Some Hearts,” which It became the best-selling debut album ever by a solo female country artist. She went on to release eight more studio albums, including “Carnival Ride” (2007), “Play On” (2009), “Blown Away” (2012) and more.
“The word role model is really scary to me, because no matter what's going on in your life, or something you do, or wear, or sing, or whatever – someone, somewhere is probably not going to like it well.”
But as one of country music's most influential singers, the eight-time Grammy Award winner's personal and professional life has often faced criticism.
“The word role model is really scary to me, because no matter what's going on in your life, or something you do, or wear, or say, or sing, or whatever else — someone, somewhere is probably not going to like it well,” she said. news agency in 2012. “I just try hard to do what I do and try to be nice to people and make great music, and if people think they can look forward to that, then great. And if not, that's okay too.”
The country star first gained recognition during her time on “American Idol” in 2005. (Getty Images)
With a wide-ranging fan base ranging from evangelical Christians to the LGBTQ+ community, Underwood's political stance has often been the center of discussion.
“There's someone I support, but I don't publicly support them,” the country star told TV Guide in 2008. “I lose all respect for celebrities when they support a candidate. This means that the American public is not smart enough.” To make their own decisions, I never want anyone to vote for anything or anyone just because I asked them to.”
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Four years later, Underwood faced backlash and praise after apparently speaking out in support of same-sex marriage.
Throughout her 20-year career, Underwood's political views have been up for debate. (Getty Images)
“As a married woman, I don’t know what it feels like to be told that I can’t marry someone I love and want to get married,” she said. The Independent in 2012. “I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people we want to love.”
She added: “Above all, God wanted us to love others. It's not about setting rules, or (saying) 'Everyone has to be like me'. No. We're all different.” “That's what makes us special. We have to love each other and relate to each other. It's not my place to judge anyone.”
Underwood currently resides in Nashville with her husband, former NHL center Mike Fisher, and their two sons, Isaiah 9, and James 5.
The country star has mostly stayed out of politics. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AEG Presents)
During an interview with The Guardian In 2019, Underwood expressed her frustration with people trying to “fix her places politically.”
“I try to stay out of politics if possible, at least in public, because no one wins,” Underwood said. “It's crazy. Everyone is trying to sum everything up and put a bow on it, as if it's black and white. And it's not.”
Criticism only mounted after agreeing to perform at the inauguration on Monday. While some questioned her decision, others stood in support of the country star's move.
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Country singer John Rich responded On X Of Underwood's decision to perform and write, “Here she is:) Carrie is a patriot.”
“The View” co-host Joy Behar Underwood called out Last week he wondered how the singer could love America.
Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration on Monday. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AEG Presents)
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During one of the episodes of the program Amy and TJ podcast last week, TJ Holmes said: “You'd better believe a lot of her fans and a lot of people are divided about her involvement — you can look up her response if you want — but she's performing. Hey, it's f***ing…it's an inauguration, It's an American event, it's a national event in many ways, and it's just a beautiful event that happens every four years in this country to participate in. Who wouldn't say yes? Does it matter who's president? Can't participate because people have a problem with the policy, policies, or person?
Jason Aldean and Kid Rock join Carrie Underwood at Trump's inauguration
Amy Robach added: “Yes, I think Carrie Underwood made the right decision for her. She has a beautiful voice. I can't wait to hear it.”
“I stand behind her,” Whoopi Goldberg announced during an episode of “The View” after co-host Joy Behar Underwood called out He wondered how the singer could love America.
“If I think I have the right to decide to go perform somewhere, then I think they have the same right,” Goldberg continued. “So I have to support it. That doesn't mean I'm particularly interested in watching. I won't watch it. But that's me.”
As 2025 approaches, Underwood is looking ahead as she prepares for her big moment: judging the next season of “American Idol.”
“I went from no one knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show,” she said in a video revealing her new job last year. “I'm proud of everything I was able to accomplish on the show, and I'm so proud of everything I've accomplished since.”
