Country Star Praises Underwood’s Professionalism as She Overcomes Technical Difficulties During ‘America the Beautiful’ Performance
Country music star Jason Aldean has come to the defense of fellow singer Carrie Underwood after her a capella rendition of “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this week sparked mixed reactions. During her performance, Underwood, 41, faced unexpected technical difficulties that left her to perform without the backing track she had been rehearsing with. Despite the challenges, Underwood powered through the performance, showcasing professionalism and dedication to her craft.
On Fox & Friends, Aldean, 47, shared his thoughts on Underwood’s performance, calling the situation a “big move” for the singer. “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, to not have that, for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go,’ that’s a pro move on her part,” Aldean said. “I thought it was great.”
Underwood, an alum of American Idol, was originally informed about the technical issues just before taking the stage. With a microphone in hand and a crowd waiting, she asked the production team, “Just sing? I can just sing it?” In a true display of grace, Underwood took on the challenge and delivered the anthem a capella, without the usual musical accompaniment.
Her performance at the inauguration was a highly anticipated moment, and although some critics, including The View’s Sunny Hostin, voiced concerns, others like Aldean lauded her for stepping up and completing the show without hesitation. Aldean acknowledged the emotional weight of performing at such a historic event. “It was just a huge honor to be there and be part of that night. It just kind of feels electric,” he remarked.
While the performance garnered attention, it was not without its fair share of controversy. The decision to perform at the inauguration sparked debate, especially among some critics, but Underwood remained committed to her choice. She shared her gratitude for the opportunity, reflecting, “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.”
Despite the initial backlash, including speculation about her motivations, Underwood’s performance has been defended by figures like Lee Greenwood, who praised her for showing up at the event regardless of the scrutiny. “I pity those people that think they have to reach out to a star like her and run some negativity past her,” Greenwood said, emphasizing the importance of respecting the artist’s contribution.
The night was a milestone for both Underwood and Aldean, marking significant moments in their careers. While Underwood overcame the technical difficulties with poise, Aldean also reflected on his own experience performing at the Liberty Ball for the president’s supporters. Both artists have long been established as country music icons, and their participation in such a monumental event only adds to their legacies in the industry.
