Carrie Underwood did what few artists could do, and she did it flawlessly. The country music superstar performed a stunning version of “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration of Donald Trump. Underwood sang the song a cappella, due to technical difficulties. She was backed by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
Underwood’s ability to sing the song seamlessly amid the challenges did not go unnoticed.
“We just have to mention an unplanned part of the ceremony that took place a few moments ago,” NBC‘s Savannah Guthrie said (via the New York Post). “There was a pause right before Carrie Underwood was meant to sing. It seems as though there was some kind of problem with the accompaniment of the band that was supposed to play along with her. So yes, spontaneously she sang a cappella with a few scattered voices.”
Underwood, who stood in front of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, defended her decision to sing for the inauguration ceremony,
“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said (vai People). “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
The mother of two has notoriously been quiet about her choice for political candidates throughout her entire career.
“I feel like more people try to pin me places politically,” Underwood previously told The Guardian. “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that.”
Underwood was not the only country artist participating in the inauguration of Donald Trump. Both Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean are performing at celebratory events throughout the evening, along with Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus and The Village People, among others.
“I am so humbled and honored and grateful for the opportunity again to play the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States,” Rascal Flatts’ lead singer Gary LeVox said. “I got to play it in 2016 and now Rascal Flatts will be performing at the Commander’s Ball and I am so looking forward to it! Thank you to [South Dakota] Governor Kristi Noem and Mrs. Virginia — it will be a night to remember!”
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Aldean has been a vocal supporter of Trump, encouraging his fans to vote for Trump in November.
“Big day for our country today,” Aldean said on Election Day. “Over the past several years we have taken a lot of heat from the entertainment industry and the media for our support of Donald Trump. As a father and an American citizen, I want to see our country get back to its values and principles that made us great to begin with. Vote so our kids can have a safe and secure future. I proudly voted for Trump and encourage everyone to get out today and VOTE!”