Country music superstar Carrie Underwood is scheduled to take the stage at the upcoming presidential inauguration ceremony. The 41-year-old singer, who rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005, will reportedly perform “America the Beautiful” alongside the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
Underwood expressed her honor at being invited to perform, stating that she feels humbled to answer the call for unity. Despite her efforts to maintain a neutral stance on politics, her decision to perform at the inauguration has raised some eyebrows, particularly given her past comments on avoiding public involvement in politics.
In a 2019 interview, Underwood emphasized her desire to stay out of politics, citing the divisive nature of public discourse. However, her music has occasionally touched on socially conscious themes, such as gun control, sparking debate among her fans and critics.
Underwood’s performance at the inauguration will follow Vice President JD Vance’s oath of office and precede the presidential oath. While some may view her participation as a departure from her stated apolitical stance, others see it as a gesture of unity and patriotism.
The singer’s past interactions with politics have been limited, but she did poke fun at former President Donald Trump alongside fellow country star Brad Paisley at the 2017 Country Music Association Awards. Despite this lighthearted jab, Underwood has maintained a focus on her music and charitable endeavors, avoiding explicit political endorsements or statements
