By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-20 20:51:42 | Updated at 2025-01-21 00:58:48
4 hours ago
Carrie Underwood was left feeling like she had not been 'afforded the same level of respect' as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her controversial performance at Donald Trump's 2025 Presidential Inauguration, sources have revealed.
The American Idol star's rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by shock technical difficulties on Monday, leading the chart-topper to perform a capella due to issues with the backing track.
Following the performance, an insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the singer, 41, was furious over the fact she wasn't given a 'stage or platform even' like previous performers.
The insider explained that this had a large impact on the singer's performance, revealing: 'Carrie was dissatisfied with her performance at the event, primarily due to the limited space she was given, which left her feeling cramped and uncomfortable.'
The source added: 'Her anxiety was high throughout the performance, and she felt that she was not afforded the same level of respect or admiration that previous performers, such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, had received.
'She felt as if she was ushered in and out and had a mini hissy fit afterwards.'
Carrie Underwood was left feeling lack she had not been 'afforded the same level of respect' as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her 2025 Presidential Inauguration performance
The American Idol star, 41, rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by shock technical difficulties on Monday, leading the chart-topper to perform a capella
The insider continued: 'She is used to playing at massive venues with a stage to herself. She was not given a stage or a platform even.
'She felt like she was literally just in a room with people all around her and a microphone. This threw off the acoustics.'
DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.
Indeed, Underwood and the President, 78, were left grimacing when the backing track began playing and then skidded to a halt.
An unsettling silence descended over the crowd as the music failed to play, with a baffled Underwood clutching onto her microphone.
Amidst the silence, an increasingly irate Underwood pulled a face and decided to perform a capella.
She said: 'If you know the words, help me out here!' before singing the song.
Fans quickly took to social media to react, with one quipping: 'Trump will have that technical crew fired as his actual first act as Prez.'
An insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the singer was furious over the fact she wasn't given a 'stage or platform even' like previous performers
Beyoncé and Lady Gaga had far more room to perform when they sang at Inauguration ceremonies in 2013 and 2021, respectively
As well as the backing track issues, the source noted: 'She felt as if she was ushered in and out and had a mini hissy fit afterwards'
The source added: 'She felt like she was literally just in a room with people all around her and a microphone. This threw off the acoustics'
Others praised Underwood for pulling off the performance, saying: 'Alternatively, Carrie Underwood had one of the most amazing moments ever. In the face of adversity, she decided to do the hymn a capella, and include everyone in the audience.
'It was beautiful to see. It was so powerful, a cappella as everyone joined it. Simply, wonderfully perfect.'
The live performance issues came after Underwood had faced criticism for agreeing to perform at the ceremony, and said in a previous statement: '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.
'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 vocalist is looking to kickstart 'a big year' for her professionally as she joins the judges' panel for American Idol, sources told Dailymail.com of her decision to perform.
'This is something that she is very proud of, and the spin she is putting on it is that she is doing it for America, not specifically for Trump,' an insider said.
The insider said that Underwood wasn't focused on the politics of the situation, but embracing the large platform.
'She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,' the source said, 'so this was a no-brainer as she feels there is more good that will come from it besides those that will bash her for what it looks like supporting Trump.
Fans both praised the singer for stepping up, while others joked that the issue was karma for her decision to perform
After her performance, Underwood was seen shaking hands with new VP JD Vance and Trump
'She knows that it will all pass and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America.'
The source noted that Underwood was hoping to bring people together with her genre: 'She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.'
In regard to her return to the Fox musical competition, the source said Underwood 'is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.'
Underwood is among a number of artists slated to perform as Trump begins his second term.
Others slated to take the stage in the nation's capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The U.S.A. singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump emerges to take his oath.
Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University's Praise Choir are also set to perform.
During Trump's 2017 inauguration, entertainers to take the stage included America's Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes.
