“American Idol” Showrunner Addresses Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance
on Mar 13, 2025
Carrie Underwood Delivered An Impromptu A Cappella Performance At Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration
American Idol showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick broke her silence about Carrie Underwood‘s performance at President Donald Trump‘s inauguration earlier this year.
Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. He is only the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms, the first being Grover Cleveland.
Due to frigid winter temperatures, the swearing-in ceremony was moved inside the Capitol Rotunda. Musical performers included Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, and Underwood.
Underwood faced intense backlash when it was revealed she’d perform “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony. She released a statement addressing her decision to perform, saying:
“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.”
Despite the criticism she received, Underwood continued with her plans to sing at the inauguration. However, as she stepped in front of the crowd and prepared to sing, her recorded music failed to play.
Several silent moments passed before a staff member approached Underwood. While it wasn’t obvious what they told her, you could clearly see Underwood say she could “just sing it.”
Calling on everyone to join her, Underwood launched into a stunning a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful.” She was widely praised for her grace under pressure and for leading a unifying moment.
American Idol Showrunner Breaks Silence About Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance
Still, many people were angry with Underwood for performing at the inauguration. Some wondered if her performance would affect her standing as the newest judge on American Idol.
While the Idol auditions were filmed months ago, the new season just debuted on March 9. Underwood, who’s a former Idol winner herself, joins veteran judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table this year.
Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick addressed Underwood’s inauguration performance during an interview with TheWrap, which was published the day of the Idol season premie. Wolflick said:
“That was her decision. Katy Perry, who was a judge on our show, sang at the last inauguration as well, so isn’t that great that two ‘American Idol’ judges sang at the last two inaugurations?”
Jennifer Lopez, who served as a judge on Idol before ABC rebooted the show, also performed at a past inauguration.
Wolflick also complimented how Underwood handled the technical difficulties during her Inauguration Day performance. She said:
“She held her own, and she remained cool, calm and collected, and I think a lot of that has to do with ‘Idol’ and all of her live experience, starting at a young age, being on live television for ‘Idol.'”
Underwood has already participated in several memorable moments as an Idol judge. During one audition, she held a contestant’s sleepy baby while she sang Underwood’s own song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
Watch that touching moment below.
