Carrie Underwood 'frustrated' by scrutiny on family amid backlash over Trump inauguration performance

WASHINGTON, DC: Carrie Underwood’s performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration may have been lauded for its grace, but the country star is reportedly feeling "frustrated" by the backlash reaching her family.

Underwood took the stage last Monday, January 20, 2025 to sing 'America The Beautiful' in front of a packed audience, delivering an impressive a cappella rendition that received positive feedback across political lines, reported by Whiskeyriff.

However, it seems the performance didn’t unfold as she had anticipated.

Carrie Underwood reportedly ‘frustrated’ by inauguration scrutiny

Sources close to the singer revealed that the logistical changes surrounding the event left Carrie feeling discontented. Originally slated to sing outdoors, the performance was relocated to the Capitol building due to freezing temperatures, which significantly altered the event’s dynamics.

Carrie, who had initially prepared for an outdoor setting, was left adjusting to a new set of circumstances, which reportedly affected her enjoyment of the day.

The source shared, “Her keeping quiet is an indicator things did not go well for her, not how she wanted. Reports of her having a ‘hissy fit’ isn’t true though, she isn’t a toddler but she was and is frustrated. How the performance was pitched to her and how it ended up going were two very different experiences. Most of that had to do with the event being moved indoors which decreased the guest list and how many people she could bring with her something she was not happy about.”

Despite the reported frustration, Carrie is still proud of her performance, which she described as an “honor” to be a part of.

“She’s proud of herself for how she handled such a chaotic situation but I think she’s second-guessing this whole thing and wondering if it was worth it. For both herself and her family who she’s fiercely protective of and tries to keep more private.”

Sources suggest that Carrie is now second-guessing whether performing at such a high-profile event was worth it, particularly given the scrutiny that followed.

Carrie, who shares two children, Isaiah and Jacob, with her husband Mike Fisher, has consistently kept her family life private from the public eye.

Insiders reveal Carrie Underwood's pay for Trump inauguration performance

Carrie Underwood's a cappella rendition of 'America the Beautiful' during President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 has sparked significant controversy, with many criticizing the country superstar’s involvement in the event.

However, insiders suggest that Underwood’s decision to perform at the high-profile occasion was not driven by financial incentives but rather by the prestige and exposure the gig offered.

Michael Schweiger, head of CMG Digital Media, shared his insights with The US Sun, noting that while the performance was flawless, it was not without its challenges. Technical issues just before the performance caused the backup music to fail, but Underwood handled the situation with grace and composure, asking the crowd to join in. Schweiger praised her ability to adapt under pressure, calling the performance "terrific" and emphasizing the prestige of such a high-profile moment.

Schweiger also speculated that Underwood’s motivation for taking on the controversial gig was rooted in honor and visibility, rather than financial compensation. He suggested that the inauguration likely did not offer her a performance fee, explaining, "I think they paid her zero," and adding that the event probably only covered her travel and accommodations.

Underwood’s participation in the inauguration stirred tension behind the scenes at her 'American Idol' gig. An insider revealed to The US Sun that many producers were concerned about the potential backlash, with rumors of a boycott circulating among viewers.

“Whether or not that’s true or just noise will be seen after the ratings come in, but the conversation it now brings Idol into is not what producers want. They don’t want the show to get political, they want it to be an escape from that,” the source said.

The source added that Carrie’s co-judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, were said to be “unimpressed” by her choice.