(NEXSTAR) — Although it wasn't necessarily planned, country singer Carrie Underwood was forced to sing “America the Beautiful” a cappella at President Donald Trump's second inauguration ceremony on Monday due to apparent technical issues. ” and temporarily became a hot topic.
Underwood was introduced to perform the song with the military choir after President Trump's speech, although technically out of order.
She arrived next to the podium and seemed to be waiting for the musical accompaniment. The music played briefly but quickly cut out. Underwood could be seen giggling and watching.
After about a minute of silence and more quiet laughter from some in the crowd, Underwood said into the microphone, “If you know the words, please help me here.”
Underwood then began singing “America the Beautiful,” and the audience slowly joined in.
Then the crowd gets even louder. Apparently some of the people singing were members of the National Military Choir. But the cause of the apparent problem that led Underwood to sing a cappella is unclear.
You can watch the moment in full in the video player above.
As the crowd applauded Underwood, she returned the favor. She then shook hands with outgoing President Joe Biden, President Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance before being escorted off stage.
Mr. Underwood was originally scheduled to appear after Mr. Vance's oath of office but before Mr. Trump's oath of office.
In a statement last week, Underwood said she was “honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration” and “humbly accepts the call at a time when we all need to come together in a spirit of unity and an eye to the future.” “It will be done,” he said.
Although Underwood has otherwise avoided discussing politics throughout his career, told the Guardian in 2019.“I feel like more and more people are trying to pin me in a certain place politically. I try to stay away from politics if I can, at least in public, because no one benefits. It's crazy. Everyone tries to summarize everything and put a ribbon on it like it's black and white. And it's not like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
