Carrie Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration became a viral sensation, but not for reasons she might have hoped.
Technical difficulties during the performance garnered widespread attention, yet this visibility didn’t translate to a boost in her music streams.
According to entertainment analysts at Luminate, Underwood’s streaming numbers dropped on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025. Her songs were streamed 1.46 million times, down six percent from 1.55 million the previous Monday. Similarly, rapper Nelly, who performed at the Liberty Ball the same day, experienced a dip in listenership, with streams decreasing from 1.63 million to 1.54 million.
While both artists saw modest increases in digital download sales, neither surpassed 1,000 downloads that day.
The decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration drew mixed reactions, particularly on social media. Underwood faced significant backlash.
“Carrie Underwood is performing at Trump’s inauguration, so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting her music,” wrote one listener on X.
Carrie Underwood is preforming at Trump’s inauguration so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting all her music. 😡 pic.twitter.com/bkZuNNeil4
— Suzie rizzio (@Suzierizzo1) January 13, 2025
Another commented on her Instagram: “So gross that you’re supporting Trump! History won’t forget.”
Despite the controversy, Underwood defended her choice in a statement to The Independent.
“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.”
Nelly also faced criticism for his participation but offered a different perspective during an interview on the Willie D Live podcast. “I respect the office,” he said. “The politics for me is over—he won. He’s the president, the commander-in-chief. This is the best country in the world.”
Drawing on his upbringing in St. Louis and his father’s Air Force service, Nelly emphasized his sense of duty. “If these people can give their life for the office, Nelly can perform. It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”
The controversy surrounding their performances underscores the divisive nature of political affiliations in the entertainment industry and the scrutiny faced by artists who engage in high-profile political events.
Keep up with Entertainment news with us on Que Onda Magazine.
