Carrie Underwood’s announcement that she will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, has set social media ablaze, fueling heated debates among fans.
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Presidential Inaugural Committee confirmed that the 41-year-old country superstar would perform at the upcoming inauguration. Unsurprisingly, fans on platforms like X have had A LOT to say about the announcement.
Meanwhile, Underwood said she is “honored and humbled.”
“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 said. “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.”
Fans React to Carrie Underwood’s Choice
The spokesperson also confirmed Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful,” a patriotic anthem revered for Ray Charles’ iconic 1970s rendition. While some fans applauded her for promoting unity, others saw the move as a devastating shift, especially given Trump’s contentious track record on LGBTQ+ rights.
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) filled with emotional reactions. “I’ve been to every one of your concerts. This is heartbreaking,” one fan wrote. “I thought you stood for love and acceptance, not hate and division.” Another user declared, “Blocking her on all apps. Done.”
Carrie Underwood was the first artist I ever really *stanned* so this is really disappointing. https://t.co/St787ArHW4
— Colyn (@colynelliott) January 13, 2025
Breaking Political Silence and the ‘Love Wins’ Debate
The “Before He Cheats” singer’s choice to perform represents a stark pivot from her longstanding avoidance of political discourse. In a 2019 Guardian interview, she emphasized her reluctance to engage in politics publicly. “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins,” she said. “Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that.”
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For many LGBTQ+ fans, Carrie Underwood’s decision feels like a contradiction. Her 2018 anthem “Love Wins” became a rallying cry for equality, with its hopeful lyrics embraced by queer listeners who saw the song as a celebration of inclusion and resilience. Lines like “I believe you and me are sisters and brothers” resonated deeply within the queer community. Now, some fans feel disillusioned.
“Was ‘Love Wins’ just pandering?” one user questioned online. The juxtaposition between the song’s message and Underwood’s appearance at Trump’s inauguration has become a focal point for fans grappling with what they see as conflicting values.
A Closer Look at the Singer’s Career
Though Underwood has mostly stayed out of politics, some of her work has sparked debate. Her song “The Bullet,” released in 2018, was seen by some as a critique of gun violence. Underwood pushed back on the interpretation, explaining, “It was more about the lives that were changed by something terrible happening.”
Despite her neutral stance, Underwood has taken the stage in politically charged moments before. At the 2017 Country Music Association Awards, she and Brad Paisley joked about Trump’s social media antics with a parody of “Before He Cheats,” singing, “Maybe next time, he’ll think before he tweets.”
LGBTQ+ Concerns Amid Trump’s Return
Trump’s return to the political spotlight has reignited fears over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. His campaign includes promises to restrict gender-affirming care, ban trans athletes from sports, and remove discussions of gender identity from schools. Underwood’s involvement in the event has led many to question what allyship from celebrities really means.
Related | Maren Morris Comes Out as Bisexual – “Proud to Be the B in LGBTQ+”
The Country Music Dilemma
Underwood’s decision highlights the ongoing tension within country music. Fans and artists continue to grapple with the genre’s relationship to patriotism and progressivism. Some argue that country music’s storytelling roots make it a space for resilience and inclusion. Others believe neutrality isn’t acceptable when basic rights are at stake.
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