Megan Moroney wasn't 'happy' about fans pitting her against Carrie Underwood over Trump inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC: Megan Moroney stands firm on female empowerment, especially when it comes to the criticism Carrie Underwood received over her decision to perform at Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration.

The rising country star recently addressed social media chatter that unfairly pitted her against Underwood in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Megan Moroney emphasizes the need to prioritize 'love' over political divides

"I’m like, 'Why am I getting brought into this?'" Megan Moroney told the outlet. "I’m happy that they relate to my music … [but] I’m never happy tearing down another woman."

The 27-year-old acknowledged that it’s "hard to say" whether she would have accepted an invitation to perform at the event herself.

However, she made it clear she wasn’t passing judgment on Underwood for doing so.

"I come from a really big family, with each side of the [political] spectrum," Moroney explained. "And I’ve found that you can’t change anyone’s mind. The best thing I can do is love them. That’s what I want to give to my fans, too. My music is there so hopefully they can find comfort."

Megan Moroney was pitted against Carrie Underwood amid backlash over inauguration performance

The controversy erupted when social media users began celebrating Megan Moroney at Carrie Underwood’s expense over the latter's decision to perform at the presidential inauguration. 

Tweets like, "Adds Megan Moroney to @Spotify playlist. Deletes Carrie Underwood," and "The crash out of the Carrie Underwood stats (now Megan Moroney stats) should be studied (and yet it's so fair and I support them)" flooded X (formerly Twitter).

The backlash against Underwood intensified when Ariana Grande liked a post shading the singer's choice to perform at the inauguration, as per OK! Magazine.

Before the performance, Whoopi Goldberg took a moment on 'The View' to defend Underwood’s decision to take the stage. "I stand behind her," the EGOT winner said.

"I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe [she has] the same right. I have to support. It doesn't mean I'm particularly interested in what I won’t be watching, but that's just me," Goldberg added. 

Carrie Underwood on her decision to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration

On the day of her performance, Carrie Underwood faced an unexpected hurdle.

While singing 'America the Beautiful', the music abruptly cut out for about 30 seconds to a minute. Without missing a beat, the singer encouraged the crowd to join in as she belted out an a cappella version of the song.

This impromptu rendition was praised by 'American Idol' showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick, who highlighted Underwood's poise and professionalism during the unforeseen circumstances, as per People.

However, others criticized her participation due to the political context.

Ahead of her performance, Underwood shared that her decision to perform was driven by a desire for unity during a divisive time in a statement issued to The New York Times and Variety.

"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 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' hitmaker said. 

Underwood has always avoided discussing her political views.

"I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins," she said in a 2019 interview with The Guardian. "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."