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Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform at Donald Trump‘s inauguration ceremony has been both praised and reviled by fans and fellow celebrities.
Even before Underwood took to the stage, her decision prompted stars to comment. The View‘s co-hosts were divided on Tuesday, January 14, with Joy Behar asking “How do you love your country and support and normalize someone who was a convicted felon who really wants to destroy the country, in my opinion?” Whoopi Goldberg felt differently. “If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform some place, I believe [she has] the same right,” she said.
When it came time for her to perform on Monday, January 20, technical difficulties led to the 41-year-old American Idol winner singing “America the Beautiful” entirely a cappella, without any backing music.
Since then, several more stars have shared their opinions on the performance. See their reactions below.
RICKY CARIOTI/POOL / AFP via Getty Images
“Girl, Find the Note”: Ariana and Mandy Reacted to a Shady Meme
Both Mandy Moore and Ariana Grande liked an Instagram post that implied Underwood was off-key during her performance. The post by comedian Evan Ross Katz featured a photo of Kamala Harris during the performance, with the caption, “Kamala Harris evoking Coco Montrese (“Girl, find the note”) watching Carrie Underwood at today’s chilling Inauguration.”
Kelly Stafford “Respects The Power”
Kelly Stafford, the wife of LA Rams star Matthew Stafford, said that she respected Underwood’s performance on an episode of her podcast, Morning After. “I love that I didn’t know her stance on politics,” said Kelly, 35, noting that Underwood never actually said whether or not she is a fan of Trump specifically. “I mean, I just feel like that’s kind of amazing. And I think it surprised a lot of people that she was going to perform.” She also mentioned that being invited to sing at the inauguration, regardless of political party, is an honor, and “we have to just respect the power at hand.”
Jason Aldean Was Impressed by Underwood’s ‘Pro Move’
Underwood’s fellow country praised her ability to roll with the punches on a January 21 episode of Fox and Friends. “First of all, it’s a hard song to do anyway, and when you’re supposed to be singing to a track and that’s what gives you pitch reference for the song,” he explained, giving a singer’s perspective. “To not have that, for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go.’ That’s a big move and that’s a pro move on her part, so I thought it was great,” he continued. Aldean performed at Trump’s inaugural ball.
