(Julianna Frieman, Headline USA) Country music star Carrie Underwood led Democrats and Republicans in an a cappella version of “America the Beautiful” after her background music failed to play at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Underwood walked out before an audience of politicians, family members and honorable guests Monday at the Capitol Rotunda following Trump’s inaugural address.
She clutched her microphone in anticipation for her backing track to begin, only to hear it blip on for a moment before total silence.
FULL VIDEO: Carrie Underwood leads Democrats and Republicans in song after her “America the Beautiful” background music fails at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. pic.twitter.com/IP9xQJdGch
— Julianna Frieman (@JuliannaFrieman) January 20, 2025
After nearly two minutes of waiting, Underwood raised her microphone and bravely said, “You know the words. Help me out here,” before she began to sing the patriotic song.
As Underwood belted out “America the Beautiful” where she stood in front of former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, the entire room of people gradually joined her, ignoring politics as they united in song.
Applause erupted after Underwood successfully finished singing. She turned around and shook Biden’s hand, who appeared to tell her she did a “great job.”
The country singer approached Trump and Vance and shook their hands before she walked off the stage.
Americans were stunned by Underwood’s “beautiful” a cappella performance, taking to social media to share their reactions.
Users said Underwood leading the room in song was the “perfect” way to start Trump’s presidency.
Trump supporter @EricaRN4USA noticed Harris’s apparent lack of confidence as she sung along, so she wrote, “It appeared that someone didn’t know the lyrics of the song either,” referencing Harris’s botched attempt at saying the Pledge of Allegiance as she swore in new senators earlier January.
I believe that @carrieunderwood did a beautiful rendition of America The Beautiful!
It appeared that someone didn’t know the lyrics of that song either, you know like with the pledge of allegiance. pic.twitter.com/m8xfd8ZbtX
— Erica 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@EricaRN4USA) January 20, 2025
Oh @carrieunderwood … that was INCREDIBLE! Better than a soundtrack, girl… leading everyone in "America the Beautiful" was absolutely perfect. pic.twitter.com/do24vx97NU
— Pam D (@soirchick) January 20, 2025
Now that is a flex. Imagine being so talented that when technology fails, you just go, “Fine, I’ll do it live!” and crush it a cappella in front of thousands. Carrie Underwood doesn’t need auto-tune; auto-tune probably takes notes from her.
Also, let’s just appreciate the… pic.twitter.com/OjYd5yoCV6
— Johnny 2.0 (@johnny_ver_2) January 20, 2025
“Now that is a flex. Imagine being so talented that when technology fails, you just go, ‘Fine, I’ll do it live!’” an X user added.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., commended Underwood, who came from his state, for demonstrating “grace under pressure” and thanked her for “honoring our beautiful nation.”
Checotah, Oklahoma’s own Carrie Underwood demonstrated grace under pressure today and her incredible talent. Thank you for honoring our beautiful nation. pic.twitter.com/5ZTs5HyhBc
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 20, 2025
“All American and perfect,” Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo wrote.
Others joked that the technology worker in charge of Underwood’s background music would soon be fired.
However, the consensus was that Underwood’s coolness under pressure made it a “moment” nonetheless.
We know what's going to happen to the Tech guy who messed up the sound for Carrie Underwood… pic.twitter.com/O9oD2O9QMU
— Mr. Intuitive 🏴☠️ (@BlackberryXRP) January 20, 2025
The sound guy for Carrie Underwood right now pic.twitter.com/VVxNahcnCC
— Riverrat328 (@riverrat328) January 20, 2025
Carrie Underwood just created a moment! pic.twitter.com/51yHfgvw4w
— UCF RON (@UCF17Ron) January 20, 2025
Carrie Underwood being a pro and just going acapella and killin it. Kinda symbolic of this win in a way. Music isn’t there. Doesn’t seem like it’s the right time but persists nonetheless and knocks it out of the park.
Professionalism pic.twitter.com/lk5Z54rZfZ
— brogan wassell (@theBW7) January 20, 2025
“Carrie Underwood being a pro and just going acapella and killin it. Kinda symbolic of this win in a way,” another user observed. “Music isn’t there. Doesn’t seem like it’s the right time but persists nonetheless and knocks it out of the park.”
Julianna Frieman is a freelance writer published by the Daily Caller, Headline USA, The Federalist, and the American Spectator. Follow her on Twitter at @JuliannaFrieman.