Inauguration Day

Carrie Underwood improvises ‘America the Beautiful' at Trump inauguration after tech issue

Trump appeared to say "wow" as the room gave a loud applause after Underwood's performance

Country superstar Carrie Underwood performed "America the Beautiful" at the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday, but not the way she expected she'd sing it.

Underwood had to improvise and sing acapella at the last moment when there was a technical problem with the band or music that was supposed to accompany her performance.

"You know the words, help me out here," Underwood said to the crowd of presidents and members of Congress after a brief silence.

She then started singing and the crowd of America's leaders joined her.

Underwood received a loud applause afterwards and Trump even appeared to say "wow."

“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," Underwood said in a statement about her decision to perform at the inauguration.

Country singer Carrie Underwood (C) performs 'America the Beautiful' as former US President Joe Biden (L) looks on during US President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by SHAWN THEW / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Country singer Carrie Underwood (C) performs 'America the Beautiful' as former US President Joe Biden (L) looks on during US President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by SHAWN THEW / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, center left, as singer Carrie Underwood performs "America the Beautiful" during the 60th presidential inauguration in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. President Donald Trump launched his second term with a strident inaugural address that vowed to prioritize America's interests with a "golden age" for the country, while taking on "a radical and corrupt establishment." Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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US President Donald Trump, center left, as singer Carrie Underwood performs "America the Beautiful" during the 60th presidential inauguration in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. President Donald Trump launched his second term with a strident inaugural address that vowed to prioritize America's interests with a "golden age" for the country, while taking on "a radical and corrupt establishment." Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Country music artist Carrie Underwood reacts after performing during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Country music artist Carrie Underwood reacts after performing during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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