Carrie Underwood’s stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration was expected to boost her popularity. However, instead of climbing the charts, her streaming numbers shockingly tumbled on one of the most high-profile days of her career. With social media backlash and a drop in listenership, Underwood’s decision to perform has sparked widespread debate.
A Viral Performance That Didn’t Pay Off
Carrie Underwood’s performance at the inauguration made waves online, but not for the reasons she might have hoped. Her rendition of “America the Beautiful” was hit by technical difficulties, leaving her to perform a cappella in front of a global audience.
Despite the viral moment, Underwood’s streaming numbers fell. Entertainment analysts Luminate revealed her music was streamed 1.46 million times on January 20, inauguration day—a six percent drop from the previous week’s 1.55 million streams. This unexpected decline has puzzled industry experts, who typically associate viral performances with a surge in listenership.
Fellow performer Nelly, who took the stage at President Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball, experienced a similar fate. His songs were streamed 1.54 million times on inauguration day, down from 1.63 million the previous Monday. Both artists saw slight increases in digital download sales, but neither reached significant numbers.
Facing the Backlash: Social Media’s Reaction
Underwood faced immediate criticism after her performance at Trump’s inauguration was announced. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with posts condemning her decision to participate in the event.
One user wrote, “Carrie Underwood is [performing] at Trump’s inauguration so I’m blocking her on all apps and boycotting all her music.” Another commented on her Instagram post, “So gross that you’re supporting Trump! History won’t forget.” The backlash was swift and unrelenting, with fans questioning her motives and political stance.
In a pre-performance statement to The Independent, Underwood defended her decision, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration… I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity.” Her words, however, failed to pacify critics who viewed her appearance as an endorsement of Trump’s controversial presidency.
Nelly Speaks Out: Respect for the Office
Nelly, who also performed during the inaugural celebrations, faced his share of criticism but adopted a different approach to the backlash. Speaking on the Willie D Live podcast, the rapper expressed his respect for the office of the presidency rather than the individual occupying it.
“This isn’t politics, the politics for me is over, he won,” Nelly said. “He’s the president, he’s the commander-in-chief.” He emphasized his pride in performing for the United States, citing his upbringing in St. Louis and his father’s service in the Air Force as motivations for his decision.
While Nelly’s perspective garnered some understanding, it also sparked debates about the role of entertainers in politically charged events. His comments about respecting the office, regardless of the individual, struck a different chord compared to Underwood’s broader message of unity.
The Fallout: What This Means for Their Careers
The decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration may have long-term consequences for both Underwood and Nelly. For Underwood, the backlash has put her career under the microscope, with many questioning whether the dip in streaming numbers reflects a temporary blip or a lasting impact on her fan base.
Nelly’s more measured approach may have helped mitigate some of the backlash, but he too faces scrutiny. While both artists saw slight upticks in digital downloads, these figures were far from game-changing. Industry insiders are watching closely to see how their involvement in this politically charged event will affect their careers moving forward.
As political divisions deepen, performers like Underwood and Nelly may find it increasingly difficult to separate their art from the polarized environments in which they perform. Whether their decisions will ultimately be seen as bold moves or career missteps remains to be seen.
Carrie Underwood and Nelly’s performances at the 2025 inauguration have reignited debates about the intersection of politics and entertainment. While both artists intended to unite audiences with their music, the backlash and declining numbers highlight the challenges of navigating public perception in an era of heightened political awareness. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the decision to perform at such a divisive event is never without its risks.