Carrie Underwood’s controversial performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration was hit by shock technical difficulties Monday.
The singer, 41, and the President, 78, were left grimacing as she walked in ahead of a performance of America The Beautiful – before the track began playing then skidded to a halt.
The drama unfolded when Underwood’s performance was announced, with the glamorous star walking in, joining outgoing President Joe Biden as she prepared to sing ahead of Trump being sworn in at the US Capitol.
An unsettling silence settled over the crowd as the music failed to play, with a baffled Underwood clutching onto her microphone.
Finally the first strains of the song broke out, before abruptly stopping after just a few seconds – with Underwood pulling a face as both Trump and Biden looked on with bemusement.
Amidst the silence, an increasingly irate Underwood grimaced and decided to perform acapella.
She said: ‘If you know the words, help me out here!’ before singing the song.
Carrie Underwood’s controversial performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration was hit by shock technical difficulties Monday
Trump was seen looking baffled as the glitch began
American Idol winner Underwood had faced criticism for agreeing to perform at the ceremony, and said in a previous statement: ‘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. 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 Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol, sources told Dailymail.com of her decision to perform.
‘This is something that she is very proud of, and the spin she is putting on it is that she is doing it for America, not specifically for Trump,’ an insider said.
The insider said that Underwood wasn’t focused on the politics of the situation, but embracing the large platform.
‘She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,’ the source said, ‘so this was a no-brainer as she feels there is more good that will come from it besides those that will bash her for what it looks like supporting Trump.
‘She knows that it will all pass and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America.’
The source noted that Underwood was hoping to bring people together with her genre: ‘She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.’
In regard to her return to the Fox musical competition, the source said Underwood ‘is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.’
The drama unfolded when Underwood’s performance was announced, with the glamorous star walking in, joining outgoing President Joe Biden as she prepared to sing ahead of Trump being sworn in at the US Capitol
Finally the first strains of the song broke out, before abruptly stopping after just a few seconds – with Underwood pulling a face as both Trump and Biden looked on with bemusement
Trump looked stony faced as his inauguration started with a huge gaffe
Amidst the silence, an increasingly irate Underwood grimaced and decided to perform acapella
She said: ‘If you know the words, help me out here!’ before singing the song
She was seen shaking hands with new VP JD Vance and Trump after the performance
Underwood is among a number of artists slated to perform as Trump begins his second term.
Others slated to take the stage in the nation’s capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The U.S.A. singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump emerges to take his oath.
Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University’s Praise Choir are also set to perform.
During Trump’s 2017 inauguration, entertainers to take the stage included America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes.
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