Superstar country recording artist Carrie Underwood has announced plans to perform at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The “American Idol” alum is scheduled to sing “America the Beautiful” at the ceremony. The inaugural program shows the performance is set to take place after the swearing-in of Vice President-elect JD Vance and before Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Underwood said in a statement released Monday that she was honored by the opportunity to perform at the Inauguration and to “answer the call” at a time when the country needs to unify.
Underwood famously won Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. She has gone on to become the most successful artist from the show, releasing nine studio albums and receiving 16 Grammy nominations and eight wins.
Her decision to perform at the inauguration marks a major cultural shift in the performer’s attitude toward President-elect Trump. Commentators on X pointed out the significance of having such a major star attend and perform the inauguration.
Charlie Kirk posted the news and noted “Times have changed.”
Underwood will perform along with the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club on Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol.
