Carrie Underwood is an accomplished singer and songwriter. She is known for her powerful yet melodious vocal range and hit songs. Some of her most noteworthy tracks include “Before He Cheats,” “Cowboy Casanova,” and “All-American Girl.” Over the years, she has made a significant impact on the music industry and influenced the rise of many major artists.
However, she has not always had the best moments in the spotlight. Lately, she has been more absent than ever before. Her decline in visibility may have to do with three major scandals over the course of her career. She remains active on social media, but her fame is not what it once was.
Donald Trump’s Second Presidency Inaugural Ceremony:
After audio issues in the Capitol building, Carrie Underwood delivered an a cappella rendition of “America, the Beautiful.”
Full coverage of the second inauguration of President Trump: https://t.co/7SlAk3GScu pic.twitter.com/LPoSfU24yN
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) January 20, 2025
President Donald Trump has many critics, and those who support him often face harsh criticism. In January 2025, when he was inaugurated as president, many prominent singers were contacted to perform. However, almost all declined because of Trump. Almost all.
Underwood agreed to perform during the inaugural ceremony. Many on social media slammed the singer for her decision and criticized her for it. It wasn’t just social media users; some of her colleagues in the music industry also joined the backlash.
Speaking to PEOPLE magazine in early 2025, Underwood addressed the criticism and explained why she agreed to perform. Citing unity as a reason, she said at the time, “We must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Carrie Underwood’s Reaction to the Season 23 Winner of American Idol:
Not Carrie Underwood sitting down and probably being told to stand up when Jamal won 🙄 #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/CCQbLBnmS9
— Shay💋 (@sunshine0nme) May 19, 2025
Who could forget when Jamal Roberts was crowned the Season 23 winner of the beloved reality singing competition “American Idol”? His performance of “Heal” is still fondly remembered by fans. But what continues to circulate online is Underwood’s reaction to his win.
Last year marked the first time Underwood served as a judge on the hit singing competition. She had her own moments throughout the show, which eagle-eyed social media users pointed out. But her delay in standing up to congratulate Roberts is what drew criticism online.
In a viral clip, the other two judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, immediately stood up and began cheering for Roberts. Underwood, however, took a moment longer to rise. Was she simply not thrilled with the outcome, or was there another reason?
She did not comment on the moment, but she shared a photo of herself with Roberts after he was crowned the winner. Even then, some fans remained unconvinced and claimed it was an alleged “media clean-up.”
Liking the Anti-Mask Comment from Matt Walsh During Covid-19:
Carrie Underwood slammed for ‘liking’ conservative’s anti-mask video https://t.co/am8rgNiu06 pic.twitter.com/X6nWa7fUxD
— Page Six (@PageSix) August 18, 2021
This is perhaps where it all began going downhill for Underwood. During COVID, many fiercely followed and believed in wearing a mask when stepping outside to avoid getting infected. Some thought it was all a hoax and part of a big conspiracy theory from the government.
Underwood, unfortunately and unintentionally, found herself in the latter half of those who were being harshly criticized for not wearing masks. A hawk-eyed internet sleuth found that Underwood had liked a post on X made by right-wing commentator Matt Walsh.
Back then, Walsh had made a post condemning the implementation of masks for school children. Which the internet sleuth found was surprisingly liked by Underwood. And the internet pretty much went wild with mixed reactions back in 2019.
Some slammed Underwood for being against wearing masks during the pandemic. Others ridiculed and mocked her in a series of memes and GIFs. The mockery continued after she liked a similar post; this time, it was about anti-vaccination.
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Amid all this backlash over the years, Underwood has not let any of it deter her love for music. She continues to prioritize both music and personal well-being. She continued to appear as a judge on the new season of American Idol, despite the backlash. And announced that she will not be going on tour in 2026 to focus on her marriage and family amid other commitments.
