Carrie Underwood left 'dissatisfied' with performance at Trump's 2025 inauguration

Carrie Underwood felt disrespected at Trump’s 2025 inauguration after technical issues and cramped setup.

Carrie Underwood’s performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration faced unexpected challenges, leaving the singer reportedly dissatisfied. The event, held indoors due to extreme cold weather in Washington, D.C., altered logistics and affected performers, including Underwood.

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The 41-year-old singer, known for her powerful vocals and polished stage presence, delivered an a cappella rendition of America the Beautiful after a backing track malfunctioned mid-performance. Audience members described an unsettling silence when the music abruptly stopped, prompting Underwood to encourage the crowd to sing along before continuing without accompaniment.

According to a source speaking to Daily Mail, Underwood expressed frustration over the performance setup, which lacked a proper stage or platform. The source claimed that the limited space left her feeling cramped, and the lack of standard concert acoustics added to her dissatisfaction. Additionally, Underwood reportedly felt she did not receive the same level of respect or production quality afforded to past inauguration performers, such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

The insider further noted that Underwood’s anxiety was heightened by the last-minute adjustments, and she was left disappointed by what she perceived as inadequate preparation for her segment. Despite the technical issues, Underwood completed her performance to applause.

Photo: Getty Images

The inauguration featured a lineup of artists, including the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio, and Lee Greenwood, who performed God Bless the U.S.A. as Trump took his oath of office. Other scheduled performers included Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, and Liberty University's Praise Choir.