Carrie Underwood 'doesn't care' about backlash over Donald Trump's inauguration, reveals source

Despite criticism, Carrie Underwood stood firm, viewing the event as an opportunity to honor the nation rather than a political endorsement
UPDATED JAN 15, 2025
Carrie Underwood faced mixed reactions after announcing her decision to perform at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration (Getty Images)
Carrie Underwood faced mixed reactions after announcing her decision to perform at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON DC: Carrie Underwood stays firm despite backlash over her decision to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.

The 41-year-old country music star is set to sing 'America the Beautiful' shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the Capitol on January 20.

The Armed Forces Chorus and The United States Naval Academy Glee Club will accompany Underwood.

Carrie Underwood says she's doing it for America

On Monday, when Axios reported she would be performing at Donald Trump's inauguration, fans were quick to react to the news, with some praising Underwood while others criticizing her choice.

Underwood, however, views this performance as an opportunity to honor the nation and is focused on its broader significance rather than any controversy tied to the event.

"This is going to be a big year for Carrie who is embarking on being a judge for 'American Idol' and now performing at the inauguration," a source told Daily Mail. 

'American Idol' Season 4 - Top 3 Finalist, Carrie Underwood, from Checotah, Oklahoma (Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)

“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," added the source.

Despite the mixed reactions, Underwood remains unfazed by the criticism. “She understands the backlash, but she also doesn’t care,” said the insider.

The source added that the singer sees the performance as “a way to give back to the country she loves.”

Carrie Underwood attends the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Mike Coppola)
Carrie Underwood attends the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center (Mike Coppola/Getty Images )

The source added, "She feels there is more good that will come from it," suggesting that the singer was aware of her fans watching the event and that it was an easy decision for her to make.  

Carrie Underwood hopes to 'unite the country' through music

The singer’s main goal is to promote unity through her performance. “She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that,” shared the source.

“She is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up," added the source. 

As the star prepares to embark on her new role as a judge for American Idol, she remains optimistice those associated with the show support her decision.

Carrie Underwood performs onstage at the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Carrie Underwood performs onstage at the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

“Those over at Idol are not going to make a big deal out of it whatsoever and support her decision,” the source said.

Carrie Underwood says performing at Trump inauguration is 'honor'

In an official statement, Carrie Underwood shared her feelings about being part of the historic event.

“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 stated.

Donald Trump reacts during his meeting with Prince William, Prince of Wales (not pictured) at the Embassy of the United Kingdom's Residence on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France. Donald Trump was among the wave of foreign dignitaries descending on Paris this weekend to attend a reopening ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral, more than five years after it was damaged in a major fire. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
Donald Trump reacts during his meeting with Prince William, Prince of Wales (not pictured) at the Embassy of the United Kingdom's Residence on December 7, 2024 in Paris, France (Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)

"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,” she added.

Underwood’s performance will follow the presidential oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of the United States.

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