Carrie Underwood goes a cappella at Trump inauguration after sound issues

Carrie Underwood goes a cappella at Trump inauguration after sound issues

Country music star Carrie Underwood was forced to sing “America The Beautiful” a cappella after apparent sound issues at President Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

After Trump finished his remarks following the swearing in ceremony, Underwood entered the Capitol Rotunda with a microphone and prepared to sing.

Music began to play before abruptly cutting off.

Several moments passed as Underwood stood among former presidents, lawmakers, business leaders and other dignitaries in silence, smiling awkwardly.

Television coverage of the proceedings showed Underwood making eye contact with a member of the event’s technical team, and mouthing the words “just sing?” before nodding her head and smiling.

ADVERTISEMENT

“OK, if you know the words, help me out here,” Underwood said before beginning her rendition.

Underwood’s performance at Monday’s inauguration when it was announced was seen as part of Hollywood and the entertainment industry’s apparent warming to Trump.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.