The delicate souls of Hollywood are up in arms because Carrie Underwood simply sang at President Donald Trump’s Inauguration. Specifically, producers of the mega-hit singing contest show, on which Underwood got her start to stardom, “American Idol” are reportedly concerned about potential backlash.
Underwood, 41, sang America the Beautiful as Trump, 78, was sworn in on Monday, a move that has drawn criticism and sparked debates over the show’s inclusivity and values, with many calling for a boycott of her upcoming debut as a judge on the long-running ABC show.
Insiders say her involvement with the “highly divisive” event could make contestants and staff uncomfortable and negatively affect the show’s reputation and ratings. “Idol contestants come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, and so do the people who work on the show,” a source told DailyMail.com. “There are concerns that her apparent political stance might make some contestants feel uncomfortable.”
Producers are reportedly grappling with how this decision aligns with the show’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, which has been emphasized since its reboot on ABC in 2018. “Her apparent support for Trump doesn’t align with the show’s values of inclusivity and diversity,” the source added.
The controversy may also create friction among the judges. Lionel Richie, a staunch liberal, reportedly does not share Underwood’s views and has openly opposed Trump. “This could create some tension,” the source noted. Judges are typically advised to avoid becoming political figures, but political moments have occurred in the past. Yet no one seems to be worried about how “staunch liberal” Richie may make people feel.
Luke Bryan faced backlash in 2022 for inviting Republican politician Ron DeSantis onstage during a Florida concert. At the time, Bryan clarified that the gesture was aimed at raising awareness for disaster relief efforts, not political endorsement.
Carrie Underwood has responded to the criticism by emphasizing the unifying nature of her performance. “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,” she said.
An insider close to Underwood explained that she did not view the performance as a political act but rather as an opportunity to celebrate America on a large platform. “She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,” the source said. “This was a no-brainer for her, as she feels more good will come from it despite the criticism.”
The source also noted that Underwood, a former American Idol winner, sees the performance as a way of giving back to the country and fans who helped launch her career. “America made her dreams come true, so this is her way of giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever,” the insider concluded.
Might make contestants uncomfortable is hilarious! First I doubt any contestants even watched or knew she sang! Secondly, it’s still a free country and she sang a song,the National Anthem! So if a liberal sang it then I am to be offended? Get over yourself! She sang, it was beautiful, move on!
I believe American Idol if being biased if they can have a liberal as a judge, is he not American? So is Carrie Underwood. She sang beautifully alcapella even. Not many can do that. If you want to be petty maybe American Idol needs to change the name of the show, it not American like at all.
What a bunch of bull. Time to stop pussy footing around. It’s none of your or anyone else’s business if someone wants to sing for their country. Put a sock in it and stop trying to bully her.
If the show is diverse then her diversity should be fine. And you all might remember that probably all 77 million voters saw her on TV while they watched the inauguration. So folks rather than worrying about the few boycotting her for singing in the inauguration, you better be worried about the 77 million that would be boycotting you for picking on her! Get over it and let’s move on!
I’ve got two words for the producers on the American Idol program.
One’s a verb, the other’s a pronoun. Figure it out. And neither word includes You.
Has your brain cell (notice the singularity) forgot that the title of your show is “American” Idol, not Republican or Democrat? The President of the United States is for ALL the people of the Nation, not some sliver of the nation that watches your show.
You should be very proud of Carrie Underwood for her above board performance in spite of the deliberate attempt at sabotage of the song.