Carrie Underwood is preparing to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony.
Throughout her 20-year career, the “All American Girl” singer has largely avoided expressing her political opinions.
But the former “American Idol” winner expressed his love for America when he agreed to perform on this momentous occasion.
“I love this country, and I'm honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” said Underwood, who will be participating with the Army Choir and the Naval Academy Glee Club. Ta. In a statement.
“I am humbled to answer this call at a time when we all need to come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
The Oklahoma native won the hearts of many on “American Idol” in 2005.
After her win, Underwood found instant success with singles from her debut album, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheat,” and “Some Hurts” became the best-selling debut album of all time. It became. Female solo country artist.
She went on to release eight more studio albums, including “Carnival Ride” (2007), “Play On” (2009), “Blown Away” (2012), and more.
But as one of country music's most influential singers, the eight-time Grammy Award winner's personal and professional life have often faced criticism.
“The word role model is really scary to me, because no matter what happens in your life, no matter what you do, wear, say, sing, or anything else, someone somewhere will think it's not very good. Because you might not think so,” she said. Associated Press In 2012.
“I try to do what I do really hard, be nice to people, and make great music. If people think they can respect that, that's great. If they don't… But it’s okay.”
With a fan base ranging from evangelical Christians to the LGBTQ+ community, Underwood's political stances have often been at the center of controversy.
“There are people that I support, but I don't support them publicly,” the country star told TV Guide in 2008.
“When a celebrity endorses a candidate, there is a total loss of respect for them. They are saying that the American people are not smart enough to make their own decisions. I never want to vote for a crab or anyone.”
Four years later, Underwood appeared to speak out in support of same-sex marriage, and faced both backlash and praise.
“As a married person myself, I don't know what it feels like to be told you can't marry the person you love. I want to get married,” she told The Independent in 2012.
“I can't imagine what that would feel like. I definitely think we should all have the right to love and publicly love who we want to love.”
“Above all, God wanted us to love others, not to set rules; [saying] “Everyone has to be like me.” No, we are all different,” she added. “That's what makes us special. We have to love each other and get along. It's not my responsibility to judge anyone.”
Underwood currently lives in Nashville with her husband, former NHL center Mike Fisher, and their two sons, Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5.
During an interview with guardian In 2019, Underwood “expressed his frustration with people trying to pin him.” [her] occupy a politically important position. ”
“I try to stay away from politics whenever possible, at least in public, because it doesn't benefit anyone,” Underwood told the outlet. “It's crazy. Everyone tries to summarize everything and put a ribbon on it like it's black and white. And it's nothing like that.”
The criticism intensified after he agreed to perform at Monday's inauguration. While some questioned her decision, others stood up to support the country star's move.
Country singer John Rich responds on X In response to Underwood's decision to appear, one wrote: “She's there 🙂 Carrie is a patriot.”
“The View” co-host Joy Behar criticized Underwood last week, questioning how he could love America.
During the episode of Amy and TJ On last week's podcast, TJ Holmes said: “You better believe a lot of her fans, and a lot of people are divided about her participation – you can look up her reaction if you want – but she did perform. Hey, this is shit…it's an inauguration. It's an American event, it's a patriotic event in many ways, and it's the 4 It's a beautiful event that happens once a year. Who wouldn't say yes to participating in it? Does it matter who the president is? Is it?”
“Well, I think Carrie Underwood made the right decision for her. She has a beautiful voice and I can't wait to hear it,” added Amy Robach.
“I support her,” Whoopi Goldberg said after co-host Joy Behar criticized Underwood and questioned how the singer could love America. He announced this during an episode of “The View.''
“If I believe I have the right to decide to perform somewhere, I believe they have the same right,” Goldberg continued.
“So I have to support[her]. I'm not particularly interested in watching. I don't watch. But that's who I am.”
With 2025 in full swing, Underwood is looking ahead and preparing for her full-circle moment of judging the next season of “American Idol.”
“I went from no one knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching my show,” she said in a video revealing her new job last year.
“I’m so proud of everything we were able to accomplish on the show, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished since then.”
