Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Underwood sang “America the Beautiful” during President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
Carrie Underwood’s performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration hasn’t impacted her role on American Idol.
In an interview with The Wrap published on Sunday, March 9, American Idol showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick defended Underwood’s choice to perform at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, held inside the Capitol rotunda in January.
“That was her decision,” Wolflick said. “Katy Perry, who was a judge on our show, sang at the previous inauguration as well, so isn’t it great that two American Idol judges performed at the last two inaugurations?”
Underwood, 42, who joined the American Idol judging panel for its 23rd season, performed “America the Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration. Meanwhile, Perry, 40, sang “Firework” during the Celebrating America television special honoring President Joe Biden in 2021.
Former Idol judge Jennifer Lopez also performed at Biden’s inauguration, singing “America the Beautiful.”
Following the announcement of her performance at the inauguration, Carrie Underwood addressed her decision. In a statement to PEOPLE at the time, she expressed her feelings, saying, “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.”
Underwood added, “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.”
Underwood encountered technical issues during her performance, prompting her to sing a cappella and invite the audience to join in. “You know the words,” she encouraged the crowd.
Michaels Wolflick commended Underwood for her composure during the moment. “She held her own, stayed cool, calm, and collected,” the showrunner remarked. “I believe much of that stems from her Idol experience and the confidence she gained performing live from a young age on the show.”
In her interview with The Wrap, Michaels Wolflick also reflected on Carrie Underwood’s return to American Idol as a judge, more than 20 years after winning the competition in 2004.
“It just made so much sense to have [Carrie] join the panel because she brought something new that we hadn’t seen before,” Wolflick explained. The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer now sits alongside judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
“That firsthand experience is invaluable,” Wolflick added. “Other judges can talk for years about what it feels like to stand on that stage, but they haven’t actually been there like she has.”
