Carrie Underwood is ready to take the stage at one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and she’s speaking out about her decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. The country music star, 41, revealed her thoughts in a heartfelt statement on Monday, January 13, explaining why she accepted the invitation to be a part of the historic occasion.
“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 shared with PEOPLE. “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 “Before He Cheats” singer’s involvement in the inauguration has raised eyebrows, especially given her tendency to keep her political views closely guarded over the years. In 2019, Underwood opened up to The Guardian, admitting that she strives to stay out of political conversations. “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins,” she said. “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.”
Though she’s kept her political opinions private, fans have speculated about Underwood’s stance on various issues, particularly after the release of her 2018 song “The Bullet.” With lyrics that many interpreted as a commentary on gun control, Underwood clarified, “It was more about the lives that were changed by something terrible happening… It’s a discussion — a long discussion.” The backlash to her work reminds her of the struggles celebrities face when trying to express their opinions without being forced into a political corner.
Underwood’s decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration is a notable shift from her playful jabs at the former president. In 2017, during the Country Music Association Awards, Underwood and Brad Paisley performed a humorous parody of her song “Before He Cheats,” replacing the iconic chorus with “before he tweets,” poking fun at Trump’s social media antics.
Now, seven years later, Carrie’s taking a different approach, focusing on unity and the importance of coming together for the future. As fans await the inauguration, all eyes will be on Carrie Underwood as she uses her platform to make her mark on this momentous event.
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