Ariana Grande (left) Carrie Underwood (right)

Ariana Grande Stirs Up Drama With Subtle Reaction To Carrie Underwood's A Cappella Moment

Home / Entertainment / Ariana Grande Stirs Up Drama With Subtle Reaction To Carrie Underwood's A Cappella Moment

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on January 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM EST
Updated on January 21, 2025 at 10:50 AM EST

Ariana Grande has sparked online buzz after her subtle yet telling reaction to Carrie Underwood's a cappella performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Carrie Underwood showcased her vocal prowess and professionalism during her performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration, but the moment wasn’t without its fair share of controversy.

Following the event, a post seemingly shading Underwood went viral, and Ariana Grande's unexpected "like" has caught the attention of fans.

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Carrie Underwood Forced To Improvise Following Technical Difficulties

Carrie Underwood performing at Donald Trump's inauguration
Pool Photo from Consolidated News Photos / MEGA

The event, held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, featured the "American Idol" alum singing "America the Beautiful" in front of a distinguished audience, including the president, his family, and notable political figures.

Underwood’s decision to perform a cappella, prompted by an unexpected audio malfunction, became a focal point of the event. When the accompanying instrumental track failed to play, the seasoned performer didn’t miss a beat. She mouthed, “I can just sing it,” before confidently taking the microphone and beginning her rendition. Her quick thinking and grace under pressure were met with applause from the audience, who joined her in the performance.

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Members of the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club lent their voices, creating a powerful and unifying moment that turned a potential mishap into a highlight of the ceremony.

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Ariana Grande's Latest 'Like' Sparks Conversation

Despite her efforts, Underwood’s performance sparked a wave of online discussion—and not all of it was positive.

A now-viral Instagram post poked fun at the country singer’s a cappella moment, captioning an image of Vice President Kamala Harris watching Underwood with, “Kamala Harris evoking Coco Montrese (‘Girl, find the note’) watching Carrie Underwood at today’s chilling Inauguration,” referencing a famous line from “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”

The post drew attention not only for its humor but also for a surprising interaction from pop star Ariana Grande.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Grande had “liked” the shady post. Social media users were quick to comment on the interaction. “Ariana liked this lmfao [laughing face emoji],” one fan wrote, while another added, “ARIANA HAHAH.”

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A third chimed in with a reference to the performance’s technical issues, joking, “Her cassette tape breaking so she had to sing acapella? The gays did that!!!”

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Fans Support Carrie Underwood Following Her Performance At Donald Trump's Inauguration

Carrie Underwood performing at Donald Trump's inauguration
Pool Photo from Consolidated News Photos / MEGA

While the humorous post gained traction, many came to Underwood’s defense, applauding her poise in handling the technical difficulties. Fans described her as a “class act” and praised her ability to turn an unexpected challenge into a heartfelt and memorable moment. One supporter wrote, “Glitches or not, she nailed it. That’s a true professional.”

Underwood’s appearance was also noted for its elegance. She wore a sleeveless white draped dress, paired with diamond earrings, embodying the dignity of the occasion. Following her performance, she received warm gratitude from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, shaking hands and sharing smiles with the nation’s leaders.

Ariana Grande Speaks Out After Donald Trump’s Election Win

Ariana Grande at 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

After it was announced that Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris out in the recent Presidential election, Ariana Grande took to her Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt message of solidarity with her fans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Against a somber black backdrop, Grande wrote, “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today.” Alongside her message, the “yes, and?” singer shared resources aimed at providing support to LGBTQ+ communities during this challenging time.

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Grande’s message is a continuation of her longstanding advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. On International Transgender Day of Visibility in 2022, she pledged to match up to $1.5 million in donations to the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund, which benefits 18 organizations dedicated to supporting trans youth. Her commitment to activism has been a defining aspect of her public persona, as she consistently uses her platform to amplify important causes.

Ariana Grande Has Been A Vocal Supporter Of The LGBTQ Community And Reproductive Rights

Ariana Grande at 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards
CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

Beyond LGBTQ+ advocacy, Grande has been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights. In 2019, she donated $250,000 to Planned Parenthood and later joined the #BansOffOurBodies campaign, further solidifying her dedication to protecting individual freedoms and healthcare access.

Grande’s philanthropic efforts extend to live performances as well. She has participated in numerous benefit concerts, including a 2015 performance with Miley Cyrus for the Happy Hippie Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ youth.

She also headlined NYC Pride’s 27th annual Dance on the Pier, raising funds for organizations such as TKO Society, TENT, and JASMYN.

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