There were some amazing moments at today's inauguration of Donald Trump, and some of the best of them had nothing at all to do with politics.
We saw First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance absolutely GLOW with elegance and class in their outfits for the day, not to mention through their affection for their husbands. And then there was Vance's impossibly adorable daughter Mirabel, who completely stole the show as she sat in her mother's arms and watched her daddy take the oath of office.
Overall, the ceremony went off ALMOST without a hitch. And even one moment of 'technical difficulties' quickly became one of the most memorable happy accidents we have ever heard.
Country star Carrie Underwood was tapped to sing at the inauguration (and, of course, the broken left tried to shame her for that), but when it came time for her to give her rendition of 'America The Beautiful,' there was a problem with the PA system providing her with the background music for the song.
Fortunately, her microphone still worked so, after an uncomfortable moment or two, Underwood simply said, 'I'll just sing it,' meaning that she would perform the song a cappella.
What followed was perfect and stunning. Watch and listen:
Carrie Underwood sings 'America the Beautiful' a cappella after the soundtrack didn't turn on.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 20, 2025
Perfectly executed. pic.twitter.com/soACoVaRyj
'I'll just sing it'? You bet your butt she did. America the Beautiful indeed.
The unique acoustics of the Capitol Rotunda only added to the performance, making her already powerful voice reverberate even more wonderfully throughout the room.
We especially LOVE how she encouraged everyone to sing along with her. 'You know the words.'
(She may have been assuming too much of Joe Biden there, but he did mumble along and give it a shot at least.)
Recommended
I think it was better this way. She handled it like the pro she is. https://t.co/CINDgv8b9V
— J.R. Holmsted (@JHolmsted) January 20, 2025
It was DEFINITELY better this way. And that's a credit to Underwood and her talent.
What happens when you don't need autotune to substitute for lack of talent or pitch: https://t.co/QXryByGLKy
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 20, 2025
She probably could have done it even without the microphone, but that would have made it harder for everyone watching on TV to hear, so we're glad the mic worked.
People have no idea how wildly hard this is https://t.co/fw6q780YcY
— Spencer A. Klavan (@SpencerKlavan) January 20, 2025
It is NOT an easy song to sing well. Maybe not as difficult as 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' but it's not far behind.
she’s a queen https://t.co/f3ucV5E6Nj
— Just Mindy 🐊 (@just_mindy) January 20, 2025
We'll refrain from digging too much at the left here, but we do have to wonder how many of the celebrity musicians who showed up to campaign for Kamala Harris could have pulled this off.
Not too many, we don't think.
Absolutely iconic 🇺🇸 https://t.co/qwNj5h9GG8
— Alex Foley (@Alex11Foley) January 20, 2025
Politically, the day will be remembered for Trump's fiery, 'Golden Age of America' speech. But outside of politics, we have a feeling that Underwood's performance will be long remembered.
I sang along quite loudly as if my voice could be shared with hers.
— Andrea E (@AAC0519) January 20, 2025
You weren't alone there. Looking at the side-by-side camera view of the sold-out Capital One Arena, where Trump supporters were watching the inauguration on the big screens, everyone there was singing along loudly as well.
As were many people at home (who may or may not have included this writer).
This old man is cutting onions, that was amazing ♥️🇺🇸
— Stay off my lawn 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@Mrddrag3) January 20, 2025
Oh, it got a little 'dusty' alright. Must be allergies or something.
This pretty much sums up the spirit of America. When you're faced with a problem, you don't stop. You keep moving ahead -- proudly. Kudos to @carrieunderwood. Well done!
— Right Winged CDN (@DKNExCDN) January 20, 2025
Very well said. And spot on.
This was my favorite part of the inauguration, and it’s a perfect microcosm for this moment in history. We’re just not waiting anymore, we’re moving this country back in the right direction! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/89VPkdO46D
— FullMetalPatriot 🇺🇸 (@FullMtlPatriot) January 20, 2025
There were so many great moments from the inauguration, it's difficult to pick a favorite. But Underwood's singing was certainly among them.
If you’re an American and this doesn’t give you chills… https://t.co/BtBfrQT4Ba
— Entrepreneur on a journey (@SMB_path) January 20, 2025
It gave us all the good goosebumps and we have no problem saying so.
If Carrie Underwood taking a moment of adversity and turning it into an absolute rock-star performance of one of our country's most iconic songs doesn't scream, 'America is back!', then we don't know what will.
Congratulations to her for an amazing rendition. And congratulations to Donald Trump and J.D. Vance for a wonderful inauguration.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member