Country music icon Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, according to the event program shared by the presidential inaugural committee.
“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,” Underwood said. Known for avoiding political involvement, she added, “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.”
The Grammy-winning star rose to fame after winning “American Idol” in 2005.
Trump, the Republican former president, defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election to reclaim the presidency.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, several prominent artists, including Beyoncé and Celine Dion, requested that Trump refrain from using their music, echoing similar objections from Neil Young and Guns N’ Roses during his 2016 campaign. In contrast, Trump has enjoyed the support of performers like rapper Waka Flocka Flame and country singers Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Following Underwood’s performance, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to Trump, marking his return to the White House. The inauguration is set to take place amidst calls for unity and a focus on the nation’s future.
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