Carrie Underwood felt she was not afforded the “same level of respect” as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her performance at Donald Trump's 2025 presidential inauguration, sources have revealed.
The American Idol star's rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by technical difficulties on Monday, forcing the chart-topper to perform a cappella due to issues with the backing track.
After the performance, an insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the 41-year-old singer was furious about not even being given a “stage or platform” like previous artists.
This was probably because the event was moved indoors at the last minute on Friday, as extremely cold weather was forecast for the capital on Monday.
However, the insider explained that this had a major impact on the singer's performance, revealing: “Carrie was dissatisfied with her performance at the event, mainly due to the limited space she was given, which made her feel cramped and uncomfortable.”
The source added: 'Her anxiety was high during the performance and she felt like she wasn't being afforded the same level of respect or admiration that previous artists, such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, had received.
“She felt like she was being guided in and out and then had a mini hissy fit.”
Carrie Underwood felt like she wasn't “given the same level of respect” as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her performance at the 2025 presidential inauguration
The American Idol star, 41,'s portrayal of America The Beautiful was hit with technical shock issues on Monday, forcing the chart-topper to perform a cappella
The insider continued, “She's used to playing big venues with a stage to herself. She wasn't even given a platform or podium.
“She felt like she was literally in a room with people around her and a microphone. This disturbed the acoustics.'
DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.
Referring to Carrie's response, a second source has since added: “While her performance wasn't ideal, nor was it what she wanted it to be, as she wanted it to go off without a hitch, the fact that there was some awkwardness about things going on only added to the uniqueness of it all.
“She'll eventually laugh about it and take it for what it was, but she's disappointed that it wasn't more of a moment because the moment she was looking for changed due to the technical difficulties.”
They continued to add that the star was still “proud of herself” and that she was “able to keep it from being a total disaster.”
They concluded: 'Even though it's not her day and she just wanted to add something to the day and not make anything prominent, she was annoyed with how it turned out.'
Underwood and the president, 78, grimaced as the backing track started playing and then came to a stop.
An insider revealed exclusively to DailyMail.com that the singer was furious about not even being given a 'stage or platform' like previous artists
Beyoncé and Lady Gaga had much more room to perform when they sang at the inauguration ceremonies in 2013 and 2021, respectively
In addition to the backing track issues, the source noted, “She felt like she was being ushered in and out and then had a mini hissy fit.”
The source added, “She felt like she was literally in a room with people around her and a microphone. This disrupted the acoustics'
An unsettling hush fell over the crowd as the music didn't play, while a stunned Underwood held her microphone.
Amid the silence, an increasingly angry Underwood grimaced and decided to perform a cappella.
She said, “If you know the words, help me!” before you sing the song.
Fans quickly took to social media to respond, with one joking: “Trump will get that tech crew fired as his actual first act as Prez.”
Others praised Underwood for putting on the performance, saying, “Alternatively, Carrie Underwood had one of the most amazing moments ever. Despite setbacks, she decided to sing the hymn a cappella and involve everyone in the audience.
'It was beautiful to see. It was so powerful, a capella when everyone joined in. Simply wonderfully perfect.'
The live performance issues came after Underwood faced criticism for agreeing to perform at the ceremony, saying in an earlier statement: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to to be a small part of this. historical event.
“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and look to the future.”
The Before He Cheats singer is looking to kick off “a big year” for her professionally as she joins the American Idol judging panel, sources told Dailymail.com about her decision to step down.
“This is something she's very proud of, and the twist she's putting on it is that she's doing it for America, and not specifically for Trump,” the insider said.
The insider said Underwood wasn't focused on the politics of the situation, but on the big platform.
“She does her music for everyone, and she also knows that many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,” the source said, “so this was a no-brainer because she thinks even more good will come from it than those who will bash her for how it appears to support Trump.
Fans both praised the singer for her performance, while others joked that it was karma for her decision to perform
After her performance, Underwood was seen shaking hands with new Vice President JD Vance and Trump
“She knows it will all pass and once again she's doing it for herself and her loved ones, that she's doing it for America.”
The source noted that Underwood hoped to bring people together with her genre: “She wants to unite the country, and music is her way of doing that.” She looks broader than all the controversies that have arisen and will arise.'
Regarding her return to the Fox music competition, the source said that Underwood is “a former American Idol and America has made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and that has supported her forever.”
Underwood is one of the artists who will perform when Trump begins his second term.
Others taking the stage in the nation's capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The USA singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump shows up to take his oath of office.
Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University's Praise Choir will also perform.
Trump's 2017 inauguration featured America's Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes, among others.
