Singer Carrie Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” a cappella at President Donald Trump’s inauguration when the background music malfunctioned.

On January 20 (local time), the event took place in the Rotunda of the Capitol, Washington, DC. Singer Carrie Underwood appeared after the swearing-in of the president and vice president instead of before as originally planned. The background music was faulty, the melody could not be played, so Underwood decided to “sing a cappella”. Before singing, she told the guests: “If you know the lyrics, sing for me”. After the performance, she shook hands with former president Joe Biden and Mr. Donald Trump.

Carrie Underwood’s move has received a lot of praise on social media. One X account commented: “The way she improvises is quite like the American spirit. When you face difficulties, you never give up and continue to move forward with pride.” 

Carrie Underwood joined the lineup of performers on the show on January 13, US media reported. On Today last week, she said: “I love our country and I am honored to accept the invitation to perform at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event.”

Carrie Underwood sang along with all the guests attending the event. Photo: Reuters

Carrie Underwood was born in 1983 and became popular after her appearance on American Idol in 2005. After the show, she made her mark with her debut album Some Hearts , which was successful with a series of compositions including Jesus , Take The Wheel and Before He Cheats . To date, she has released nine studio albums and a collection of hits, receiving eight Grammy Awards.

Throughout her 20-year career, Underwood has rarely expressed her political views. Speaking to TV Guide in 2008, she said she did not publicly endorse any politicians because she did not want her fans to vote for them just because of her. In the Guardian in 2019, the singer said she found it annoying that people “boxed in on my political stance”, saying she tried to stay out of the field if possible.

In addition to Carrie Underwood, the show featured two other artists. Before her performance, opera singer Christopher Macchio, 47, performed Oh, America as Donald Trump and key figures from the previous term entered the ceremony area. Macchio also took on the role of singing the national anthem to close the event. Singer Lee Greenwood, 83, joined in with the song God Bless the USA . Macchio and Greenwood have previously performed many times during Trump’s 2024 election campaigns.

The Village People, rapper Nelly and more are scheduled to appear at three evening soirees later that day. On January 19, the new president will host a meeting with supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington. Village People and Lee Greenwood will also appear, along with singers Billy Cyrus and Kid Rock .

During Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, 2010 America’s Got Talent runner-up Jackie Evancho sang the national anthem, while the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed America the Beautiful . At the time, his team had difficulty recruiting artists to attend because many stars were afraid of fan opposition to him.

The inauguration of the 47th US president takes place on Monday, but the sideline activities start on January 18. Mr. Trump will have his first full working day as president on January 21, starting with a prayer service for the country.