Carrie Underwood’s emotional rendition of America the Beautiful at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration was expected to boost her popularity. Instead, rather than soaring up the charts, her streaming numbers took an unexpected plunge on one of the most significant days of her career. Amid social media uproar and a decline in listenership, Underwood’s choice to take the stage has ignited intense debate.
A Viral Moment That Didn’t Deliver
Underwood’s performance at the inauguration quickly gained traction online—but not for the reasons she may have anticipated. Her rendition of America the Beautiful was marred by technical difficulties, forcing her to perform a cappella before a worldwide audience.
Despite the moment’s virality, Underwood’s streaming figures dropped. According to entertainment analysts at Luminate, her music was streamed 1.46 million times on January 20—Inauguration Day—a six percent dip from the previous week’s 1.55 million streams. This downward trend has left industry experts puzzled, as viral performances typically correlate with an uptick in listenership.
Fellow performer Nelly, who took the stage at President Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball, faced a similar outcome. His music was streamed 1.54 million times on Inauguration Day, down from 1.63 million the Monday prior. While both artists saw modest increases in digital download sales, neither saw substantial gains.
The Backlash: Social Media Erupts
Underwood faced immediate criticism following the announcement of her performance at Trump’s inauguration. Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), was inundated with posts condemning her decision to participate.
One user wrote, “Carrie Underwood is [performing] at Trump’s inauguration, so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting her music.” Another commented on her Instagram, “So disappointing to see you supporting Trump! History will remember this.” The backlash was swift and relentless, with fans questioning both her motives and political stance.
In a pre-performance statement to The Independent, Underwood defended her choice, stating, “I love this country and am honored to have been invited to sing at the Inauguration… It is a privilege to answer the call during a time when unity is needed most.” However, her remarks did little to appease critics, many of whom perceived her participation as an endorsement of Trump’s presidency.
Nelly Responds: Respect for the Presidency
Nelly, who also performed at the inaugural celebrations, encountered backlash but chose a different approach in response. Speaking on the Willie D Live podcast, the rapper framed his decision as one rooted in respect for the office rather than personal politics.
“This isn’t about politics—the election is over, and he’s the president,” Nelly said. “He’s the commander-in-chief, and I respect that.” He underscored his pride in performing for the country, citing his St. Louis upbringing and his father’s Air Force service as reasons for accepting the invitation.
While his perspective resonated with some, it also sparked debate about the role of entertainers in politically charged events. His emphasis on respecting the office rather than the individual stood in contrast to Underwood’s broader call for unity.
The Fallout: What’s Next for Their Careers?
The decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration could have lasting consequences for both Underwood and Nelly. Underwood, in particular, now finds her career under scrutiny, with some questioning whether the dip in streaming numbers represents a short-term setback or a more lasting shift in her fan base.
Nelly’s measured response may have softened some of the criticism, but he too faces industry speculation. While both artists saw slight increases in digital downloads, these numbers were far from career-defining. Industry observers are watching closely to see how their involvement in such a polarizing event will impact their careers moving forward.
As political divisions deepen, artists like Underwood and Nelly may find it increasingly difficult to separate their music from the charged environments in which they perform. Whether their decisions will ultimately be seen as bold stands or miscalculations remains uncertain.
Carrie Underwood and Nelly’s performances at the 2025 inauguration have reignited discussions about the intersection of politics and entertainment. While their intent may have been to bring people together through music, the backlash and declining numbers underscore the challenge of managing public perception in an era of heightened political awareness. One thing is clear: performing at a deeply divisive event comes with undeniable risks.
