Carrie Underwood’s Performance Off to False Start at Donald Trump’s Inauguration
Carrie Underwood's performance at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump was off to a slow start.
Underwood, 41, was one of many artists slated to perform Monday at the historic event following the 78-year-old’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election last November.
As Underwood was welcomed to the stage to begin her performance of “America the Beautiful,” the room was silent. Music eventually started but then was shut off as the crowd looked on awkwardly. However, the American Idol alum finally began to sing a cappella.
Trump and his running mate, former Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, each took their oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Carrie Underwood sings 'America the Beautiful' a cappella after the soundtrack didn't turn on.
Perfectly executed. pic.twitter.com/soACoVaRyj— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 20, 2025
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee announced last week that the American Idol Season 4 winner and current judge agreed to perform “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in ceremony, with Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood also slated to deliver performances of their own. This year’s ceremony was moved inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for the first time in 40 years due to the anticipation of what Trump described as “very cold” weather conditions.
Related: Is Carrie Underwood a Republican or Democrat?
Rapper Nelly is also set to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three official balls celebrating Trump’s return to office.
Inauguration fashion was on full display Monday with some celebrities and prominent political figures making big statements with their ensembles.
For her husband's big day, Melania Trump wore a dark navy coat with a matching navy hat with a white stripe, dark navy heels and black gloves. Although some on X (formerly Twitter) praised the 54-year-old's style as "stunning," others pointed out the first lady resembled the McDonald's character Hamburglar.
Another outfit that shocked onlookers was the one worn by Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez.
The 55-year-old journalist arrived alongside Bezos at the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., for the historic swearing-in ceremony in all white. However, her outfit choice raised eyebrows.
Related: Lauren Sanchez’s Busty Display Shocks Inauguration Onlookers as She and Jeff Bezos Support Trump
Dressed in a white blazer buttoned at the waist, Sánchez sported a lacy white bustier underneath.
“Jeff Bezos future wife Lauren Sanchez is incredibly inappropriately dressed for a state occasion,” one X user wrote. “Someone should have told her that having her white lace bra out on display is not acceptable.”
Many prominent political figures—including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and more—were on hand as Trump became the 47th President of the United States. However, Michelle Obama was absent from the event.