Multiple country music acts took the stage earlier this week to celebrate Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. Perhaps the event’s most anticipated performance came from Carrie Underwood. The American Idol champ was scheduled to perform “America the Beautiful” before Trump took the Oath of Office. However, unexpected backing track issues led to Underwood delivering an acapella performance after the Oath of Office. Fortunately, the “Before He Cheats” songstress is used to going with the flow after 20 years in the spotlight. Her fellow performer, Jason Aldean, recently commended her professionalism and adaptability.
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Jason Aldean Calls Carrie Underwood a “Pro”
Taking the stage at Monday’s (Jan. 20) Liberty Ball in Washington, D.C., Jason Aldean performed an hour-long set that included hits like “Try That in a Small Town” and “She’s Country.” Prior to his own appearance, Aldean managed to catch Carrie Underwood’s “America the Beautiful” performance. And apparently, the “Hicktown” singer liked what he heard.
Choir mic problems – don’t worry, @carrieunderwood doesn’t need backups!! Love how due to the sound issue Carrie LITERALLY unified everyone for song 🎶🎤🇺🇸 #Inauguration2025 #CarrieUnderwood pic.twitter.com/PDtnNQ4tJN
— creech (not parody) (@creecher28) January 20, 2025
“First of all, it’s a hard song to do anyway,” Aldean, 47, said during a recent episode of Fox and Friends. “When you’re supposed to be singing to a track and that’s what gives you pitch reference for the song, and to not have that and for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go.’ That’s a big move and that’s a pro move on her part, so I thought it was great.”
Carrie Underwood Saves Her Performance
Last-minute changes to the ceremony meant Underwood was going to sing to a recorded backing track. However, the track failed when it came time for the eight-time Grammy winner to take the stage.
Rather than throw in the towel, Underwood told the audience, “If you know the words, help me out here.” The audience joined in as she began a stunning acapella rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
Many on social media shared Jason Aldean’s sentiment. “After a short pause, Carrie took matters into her own hands and started singing solo,” wrote political columnist Benny Johnson. “The result is absolute chills. What a talent.”
A technical malfunction kept the music from playing for Carrie Underwood at the inauguration.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 20, 2025
After a short pause, Carrie took matters into her own hands and started singing solo.
The result is absolute chills:
What a talent.pic.twitter.com/IyvKNCQhF7
Featured image by Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
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