Carrie Underwood at 2022 American Music Awards

Carrie Underwood Reportedly 'Frustrated' About Outcome Of Her Performance At Trump's Inauguration

Home / Entertainment / Carrie Underwood Reportedly 'Frustrated' About Outcome Of Her Performance At Trump's Inauguration

By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on January 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM EST

Carrie Underwood hasn't said a word since the aftermath of her performance at Donald Trump's inauguration, but an insider says she is "frustrated" about the event's outcome.

Underwood held the audience spellbound with her incredible singing after overcoming an initial setback due to technical issues.

However, reports have revealed there are tensions within the "American Idol" camp due to her performance, as it signified an apparent political stance.

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Things Didn't Go How Carrie Underwood Wanted At Donald Trump's Inauguration

Carrie Underwood singing
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Underwood was amazing while singing "America the Beautiful" a cappella at Trump's inauguration on Monday, but she hasn't said a word since then.

An insider revealed that the singer's quietness indicates things didn't go how she wanted at the event.

The source told The U.S. Sun, "Her keeping quiet is an indicator things did not go well for her, not how she wanted."

However, the insider clarified that reports of Underwood having a "hissy fit" during the inauguration are not true, adding, "She isn't a toddler but she was and is frustrated."

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Carrie Underwood's Experience At The Inauguration Was Differed From 'What Was Pitched To Her'

Carrie Underwood at 53rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala
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The insider claimed, "How the performance was pitched to her and how it ended up going were two very different experiences."

They explained that the main reason for the difference was the "event being moved indoors, which decreased the guest list."

The move to an indoor venue also reduced the number of people Underwood could bring with her, and she wasn't pleased.

The source continued, "She's proud of herself for how she handled such a chaotic situation but I think she's second-guessing this whole thing and wondering if it was worth it."

They concluded, "For both herself and her family who she's fiercely protective of and tries to keep more private."

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Tension In 'American Idol' Universe Over Carrie Underwood's Inauguration Performance

American Idol judges
Instagram | American Idol

Reports of Underwood's frustration with how things turned out at Trump's inauguration come a day after reports of tensions in "American Idol," where she is set to start her new role as a judge when the new season begins on March 9.

"American Idol" tries to steer clear of politics and is known for pushing for inclusivity, diversity, and improving LGBTQ representation.

However, there are fears that Underwood's performance for Trump was an apparent political stance that could lead to a reduction in show ratings and viewership.

A source told Daily Mail, "Idol contestants come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, and so do the people who work on the show. There are concerns that her apparent political stance might make some contestants feel uncomfortable."

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They added, "Her apparent support for Trump doesn't align with the show's values of inclusivity and diversity."

The insider also disclosed that there could be tensions between Underwood and another judge, Lionel Richie, who "is very liberal" and "may not see eye to eye with Carrie's views which could create some tension. He has never and will never support Trump."

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Underwood's Job Is 'Not In Jeopardy'

Carrie Underwood at 2023 CMT Music Awards
MEGA

Before Trump's inauguration, people wondered if Underwood's decision to perform at the event could spell danger for her role as a judge on "American Idol," a show she won as a contestant in Season Four.

However, a source told The U.S. Sun that "Carrie's job is not in jeopardy" as there were "no talks of firing her." They added, "She will continue her role as a judge."

The insider stressed that Underwood's performance at the inauguration didn't "conflict with any of her Idol taping dates" while the inauguration "is before this season airs, so it doesn't go against anything in her contract."

However, they explained that some producers didn't approve of her performance, which caught them off-guard. Hence, they were worried there could be a backlash from fans.

They said, "A lot of viewers are already speaking of a boycott, whether or not that's true or just noise will be seen after the ratings come in but the conversation it now brings Idol into is not what producers want. They don't want the show to get political, they want it to be an escape from that."

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Underwood Honored To Perform At Presidential Inauguration

Carrie Underwod performs at Donald Trump's inauguration
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Although Underwood is reportedly wondering if she made the right choice in performing at Trump's inauguration, she expressed her delight in doing so after the announcement.

The country music singer said, "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."

She concluded, "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."

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