Carrie Underwood has long kept her distance from political conversations, but her decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s inauguration changed that overnight. While some fans saw the appearance as a patriotic gesture, others viewed it as a clear political statement—igniting backlash that continues to follow the country superstar.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the criticism hasn’t seemed to shake Underwood personally. However, insiders say the controversy could create challenges for her professional life—particularly her role as a judge on American Idol.
Sources close to the show told entertainment reporter Rob Shuter that producers are growing nervous about how the “MAGA accusations” surrounding Underwood might affect viewership. “The show needs mass appeal,” one insider explained. “Politics instantly split the audience, and that’s the opposite of what Idol is built on.”
Back in 2019, Underwood told The Guardian that she tries to “stay far out of politics” because “nobody wins.” Yet many critics argue that singing “America the Beautiful” at a presidential inauguration is anything but neutral.
Defending her decision at the time, Underwood released a statement emphasizing unity. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration,” she said. “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.”
Still, the fallout has been hard to ignore. Some longtime American Idol fans have reportedly threatened to boycott the upcoming season because of her involvement. The backlash has even reached Hollywood circles—General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn publicly declared she would skip an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live rather than appear alongside Underwood.
“See ya next week @jimmykimmel. I refuse to even look at @carrieunderwood,” Grahn wrote on Threads, with comedian Kathy Griffin replying, “Yeah, no love for MAGA Carrie.”
Another industry source summed up producers’ fears: “Idol is supposed to be feel-good, family-friendly television. The last thing anyone wants is a judge becoming a political lightning rod.”
Whether the controversy will truly impact ratings remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Carrie Underwood is stepping into the new season with more attention, and more division, than ever before.
