President Donald Trump’s inauguration featured a stunning, spontaneous a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Carrie Underwood.
She was forced to rely entirely on her own vocal skills in the Capitol rotunda after a technical issue prevented the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club from accompanying her.
Although the 41-year-old country music icon handled the incident with poise and elegance, some fans are wondering if the incident was a random occurrence or a premeditated “gotcha” moment directed at Underwood for agreeing to perform at the contentious event.
As she began her performance, Underwood, wearing a simple yet sophisticated gray draped dress and a diamond bracelet, urged the Republican-Democrat audience to “help me out here.” It was a unique occasion that demonstrated her vocal prowess and capacity to perform well under duress.
A Performance That Is Under Fire
Only a few days prior, Underwood had declared her intention to participate in a statement to Page Six on January 13.
“I am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event because I love our country.” At a time when we must all unite in the spirit of unity and look to the future, I am humbled to answer the call.
Was the audio malfunction a premeditated act of retaliation for her support of Trump? The idea isn’t wholly unrealistic. A small “technical issue” could easily be construed as a not-so-subtle jab in a political environment where every action is closely watched and every message is magnified.
