Underwood was the first performer to usher in Trump’s presidency, performing minutes after his inaugural address.
WASHINGTON — After some unexpected technical malfunctions, country star Carrie Underwood sang an a capella version of “America the Beautiful” after President Donald Trump took his oath of office Monday.
Underwood sang in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, while attendees sang along to the 115-year-old, patriotic song. But the performance was delayed briefly because of what appeared to be a technical error with her accompanying music.
During the delay, Underwood could be seen telling a person in a headset that she “can just sing it.”
“If you know the words, help me out here,” Underwood remarked before starting her a capella rendition.
She was also originally scheduled to perform before Trump took his oath of office, but as noon rolled around and Trump was sworn in after Vice President J.D. Vance, her performance appeared to get bumped until later.
Eventually, the singer took the stage, wearing a sleeveless white dress, with nothing but a microphone and sang without any accompaniment.
Now-former President Joe Biden mouthed “great job” as Underwood shook his hand at the end of her song before also shaking hands with Trump and new vice president JD Vance.
The Grammy-winning artist is notably a higher-tier celebrity than Trump traditionally attracts at his events. Many leading music and film celebrities were prominent anti-Trump voices during the past three elections.
“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 in a statement about her role in the 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.”
Several other well-known celebrities performed over the weekend at events honoring Trump’s return to the White House, including Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean, The Village People and Nelly.
