During President Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20, 2025, country music star Carrie Underwood delivered an impromptu a cappella rendition of "America the Beautiful" after a technical malfunction silenced her backing track. While her on-stage composure garnered praise, reports indicate that Underwood was privately upset about the incident.
According to sources, Underwood felt the technical mishap was a significant oversight, especially given the high-profile nature of the event. She reportedly expressed frustration that the malfunction disrupted her performance and believed it reflected a lack of professionalism from the event organizers.
Despite the backstage tension, fellow country artist Jason Aldean commended Underwood's quick decision to proceed without accompaniment, highlighting the challenges of performing without a pitch reference. He noted that singing a cappella under such circumstances was a testament to her professionalism.
The incident has sparked discussions about the treatment and respect afforded to artists at political events, with some suggesting that Underwood's experience underscores the need for better support and preparation for performers.