Why Carrie Underwood ‘doesn’t care’ about Trump inauguration backlash

Carrie Underwood ‘doesn’t care’ about any backlash she may face for performing at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, according to sources who say the singer ‘is very proud’ of the chance to have this experience during her career.

The country singing superstar, 41, is scheduled to sing America The Beautiful after Trump is sworn in along with his vice presidential pick JD Vance.

Fans were immediately divided when the news broke this week, with some praising the artist while others condemned her move.

Now insiders have exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the star is ‘looking broader than any controversies’ because she is doing the performance ‘for America, not specifically for Trump’.

‘This is going to be a big year for Carrie who is embarking on being a judge for American Idol and now performing at the inauguration,’ the source explained. 

‘This is something that she is very proud of, and the spin she is putting on it is that she is doing it for America, not specifically for Trump.’

Opening up about the singer’s reaction to the backlash, the insider continued: ‘She understands the backlash, but she also doesn’t care. 

‘She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration, so this was a no brainer as she feels there is more good that will come from it besides those that will bash her for what it looks like supporting Trump.’

The source added: ‘She knows that it will all pass and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America. 

‘She is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.’

The insider added that the star’s biggest aim is to be a source of unity as they continued: ‘She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.’

As for how the decision might impact her stint as a judge on American Idol, a source explained: ‘Those over at Idol are not going to make a big deal out of it whatsoever and support her decision. 

‘They are excited that she is going to be their new judge and are looking forward to America falling in love with her all over again.’

In an official statement regarding the performance, the star said: ‘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.’

Carrie is set to perform the song with The Armed Forces Chorus and The United States Naval Academy Glee Club after the presidential oath of office is administered to Trump by the Chief of Justice of the United States. 

Back in 2019, Carrie spoke to The Guardian about politics, telling the outlet that she likes to ‘stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins.’

She added: ‘It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that.’

However, a social media user highlighted that she had previously mocked Trump in a 2017 skit with her CMAs co-host Brad Paisley.

‘Now Brad, I don’t know if you heard about this, but the CMA has given us some “guidelines” with specific topics to avoid,’ she said during the live broadcast. 

‘So we can’t be doing any of our silly little songs because this year’s show is a “politics-free zone,”‘ she added. 

At that point, Brad starts playing the guitar and sings to the beat of Carrie’s song Before He Cheats – while using new lyrics.

‘Right now, he’s probably in his PJs, watching the cable news, reaching for his cellphone. Right now, he’s probably asking Siri how in the hell do you spell Pocahontas,’ Brad sang. 

Carrie reacted simply with: ‘Well, here we go.’