Carrie Underwood isn’t shying from the spotlight amid controversy.
The Muskogee, Oklahoma native, 41, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday with a clip promoting a collaboration with Cody Johnson, after receiving a mixed response when she announced she would sing America the Beautiful at Donald Trump’s inauguration January 20.
Some lauded Underwood for responding to the opportunity, while others were upset, seeing the outing as tacit support for the controversial incoming president.
Underwood didn’t acknowledge the feedback in either direction, as she promoted a new project with Johnson.
‘Excited to be sharing something with y’all tomorrow!’ the artists said in a joint statement. ‘YouTube: Set your reminders for 10am CT so you don’t miss it.’
The Grammy-winning country songstress was seen with Johnson in the clip performing I’m Gonna Love You, their collab which was released last fall.
Carrie Underwood, 41, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday after receiving a mixed response when she announced she would sing America the Beautiful at Donald Trump’s inauguration January 20
President-elect Donald Trump, seen last month in Paris, will be sworn in on January 20
The American Idol alum will perform before Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol, according to an inaugural program reviewed by the AP on Monday.
The Little Toy Guns singer said in a statement Monday, ‘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.’
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The Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol, sources told Dailymail.com earlier this week of her decision to perform.
‘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,’ an insider said.
The insider said that Underwood wasn’t focused on the politics of the situation, but embracing the large platform.
‘She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,’ the source said, ‘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.
‘She knows that it will all pᴀss and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America.’
The source noted that Underwood was hoping to bring people together with her genre: ‘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.’
The Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol
The Grammy-winning country songstress was seen with Johnson (pictured) in the clip performing I’m Gonna Love You, their collab which was released last fall
Fans on social media were split about Underwood’s agreement to perform at the inauguration
In regard to her return to the Fox musical compeтιтion, the source said Underwood ‘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.’
Underwood is among a number of artists slated to perform as Trump begins his second term.
Others slated to take the stage in the nation’s capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The U.S.A. singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump emerges to take his oath.
Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University’s Praise Choir are also set to perform.
During Trump’s 2017 inauguration, entertainers to take the stage included America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes.
