Carrie Underwood to sing at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Carrie Underwood's plans to perform at the inauguration have many taken aback, as the 'American Idol' alum has never been one to wade into politics.

Carrie Underwood has accepted a pretty high-profile gig, agreeing to perform America the Beautiful at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.

But the 41-year-old’s appearance at the event has many taken aback and confused, as the American Idol alum has never endorsed Trump in the past — in fact, she’s never really been one to talk politics at all.

“I feel like more people try to pin me places politically,” she told The Guardian in 2019. “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. 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.”

According to a copy of the inaugural program provided to The Associated Press, Underwood will take the stage shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.

“I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement on Monday. “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.”

Underwood will be joined on the entertainment program by two of the president-elect’s other favourite musicians, opera singer Christopher Macchio and country singer Lee Greenwood.

Greenwood will perform as Trump walks out to take the oath, according to Trump’s inaugural committee. Macchio is Trump’s choice to perform the national anthem at the end of the program.

Macchio performed at the Republican National Convention in July 2024. He also played at Trump’s return rally in Butler, Penn., in October after his first rally there was marred by an assassination attempt, and during Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally that drew blowback for crude and racist jokes from some speakers.