Carrie Underwood's paycheck for Trump inauguration revealed as insiders say she did it for 'prestige'

WASHINGTON, D.C: Country superstar Carrie Underwood found herself at the center of controversy after her a cappella rendition of 'America the Beautiful' during President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 received flak.

After several criticism, CMG Digital Media head Michael Schweiger has now suggested that Underwood’s decision to perform wasn’t driven by financial gain rather more towards prestige.

The performance showcased her vocal prowess and composure, but it also stirred tensions behind the scenes at her 'American Idol' gig.

Carrie Underwood's poised performance amid technical glitches earns praise

Speaking exclusively to The US Sun, Schweiger revealed Carrie’s performance wasn’t without challenges.

After technical issues caused the backup music to fail moments before her globally televised performance, the singer handled the situation with poise.

Smiling nervously as whispers filled the rotunda of the US Capitol, she turned to the crowd for support, asking them to sing along before delivering a flawless a cappella rendition.

Schweiger lauded Carrie’s ability to adapt under pressure, saying, “That was a pretty prestigious thing to do, and she did phenomenally. That was terrific.”

Schweiger, an expert in celebrity business relations, speculated that Carrie’s motivation for taking on the controversial gig was rooted in honor and exposure rather than financial gain.

“I think they paid her zero,” he said, adding that the inauguration likely covered her travel and accommodations but no performance fee.

He said, “To sing, they probably just paid for her flights and accommodations.”  

Carrie Underwood inauguration performance raises eyebrows at 'American Idol'

Despite the praise for her performance, Underwood's decision to participate in the inauguration did not sit well with 'American Idol' executives.

According to an insider speaking to The US Sun, many producers were concerned about potential backlash.

“A lot of viewers are already speaking of a boycott,” the source revealed.

“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 insider also noted that Carrie’s fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, along with host Ryan Seacrest, were reportedly “unimpressed” by her decision.

However, the source clarified that Carrie’s inauguration performance did not conflict with her Idol commitments.

“It doesn’t conflict with any of her Idol taping dates and [the inauguration] is before this season airs, so it doesn’t go against anything in her contract,” the source said, assuring fans that the singer would not be fired from the show.

Carrie has historically steered clear of political discussions.

As per Newsbreak, in a 2019 interview, she said she “stays far out of” the topic, a stance that has endeared her to fans who value her focus on music over politics.

Still reportedly, her decision to perform at such a politically charged event has reignited debates about the intersection of entertainment and politics.