Carrie Underwood to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration: 'Humbled to answer the call'
Carrie Underwood will perform at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration on Jan. 20.
On Monday, a Presidential Inaugural Committee Spokesperson confirmed the news that the Grammy Award-winning country singer would be taking the stage to sing "America the Beautiful."
According to a photo of the inauguration program on posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the "Before He Cheats" singer and "American Idol" winner will be accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.
"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 in a statement on Monday.
"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."
After Underwood's performance, Vice President-elect JD Vance will take his Oath of Office and the event will culminate with Trump's Presidential Oath of Office.
Does Carrie Underwood support Donald Trump?
Underwood's inauguration performance comes in the wake of years of privacy about her own political standings.
One outspoken moment came in 2017 when Underwood took the stage alongside Brad Paisley as hosts of the CMA Awards. The two performed a parody mocking Trump's Twitter use, a take on "Before He Cheats" called "Before He Tweets."
After the musical parody, Underwood told media outlets she'd rather remain private about her beliefs.
"I feel like more people try to pin me places politically," she told The Guardian in 2019. "I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It's crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it's black and white. And it's not like that."
Who will perform at Trump's 2025 inauguration?
In addition to Underwood, the program also states that Christopher Macchio, a classical-crossover vocalist, will sing the National Anthem.
Additional performers have yet to be announced for Trump's inauguration.
Trump's 2017 inauguration saw performances from country singer Toby Keith, the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and a 16-year-old singer from “America’s Got Talent,” Jackie Evancho.
What are the scheduled events for Trump's inauguration?
Here is the schedule leading up to Inauguration Day.
Saturday, Jan. 18
- The President’s reception and fireworks at Trump Sterling
- Cabinet Reception and Vice President’s dinner
Sunday, Jan. 19
- Arlington National Cemetery ceremony: Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Make America Great Again victory rally
- Candlelight dinner
Monday, Jan. 20: Inaguration day
- St. John’s Church Service
- Tea at the White House
- Swearing-In Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol
- Farewell to the Former President and Vice President
- US Capitol Departure Ceremony
- The President’s Signing Room Ceremony
- JCCIC Congressional Luncheon
- The President’s Review of the Troops
- Presidential Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue
- Oval Office Signing Ceremony at The White House
- Commander in Chief Ball
- Liberty Inaugural Ball
- Starlight Ball
How can I get tickets for Trump's 2025 inauguration?
Tickets to Trump's upcoming inauguration at the U.S. Capitol are free to the public.
Tickets are distributed through members of Congress and are typically released to Congress members' offices starting in early January, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies said in a Dec. 23 press release.
Reporting by Joyce Orlando contributed to this article.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter with The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com.