Jan 13, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump's inauguration

Ivana Saric

Carrie Underwood performs at a New Year's Eve concert in New York's Times Square on Dec. 31, 2024. Photo: Al Drago/Contributor — Carrie Underwood performs at a New Year's Eve concert in New York's Times Square on Dec. 31, 2024. Photo: Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage

Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform at President-elect Trump's inauguration next week, Trump's transition team confirmed to Axios Monday.

Why it matters: Underwood is a more high-profile performer than the musical guests at Trump's 2017 inauguration, signaling that the entertainment industry's hesitance to embrace Trump has thawed since he left office.

The big picture: One of the staples of a presidential inauguration is a musical performance by a buzzy musical star, and this year the honor will go to Underwood, who is set to perform a rendition of "America the Beautiful."

The Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club will accompany her.
A representative from CAA, which represents Underwood, did not provide Axios with comment before publication.

Flashback: Trump's 2017 inauguration day featured performances from the Radio City Rockettes and Jackie Evancho, a former runner-up on "America's Got Talent."

In 2017, the inaugural committee faced difficulties finding guests willing to perform at the celebration.

Go deeper: Trump inauguration 2017 vs. 2025: What's changed

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Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump's inauguration

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