Whoopi Goldberg Supports Carrie Underwood’s Trump Inauguration Performance but Declares She ‘Won’t Watch’

Whoopi Goldberg Defends Carrie Underwood

Whoopi Goldberg has come to the defense of Carrie Underwood after the singer faced criticism for agreeing to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Details About the Inauguration Performance

Trump is set to be sworn in as president in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2025, with Grammy winner Underwood confirmed to take the stage as a musical guest. A representative verified to Axios that she will perform “America the Beautiful.”

“I love our country and am proud to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood stated on Monday, as reported by Associated Press. “I am honored to answer this call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”

Goldberg’s Support Amid Controversy

Throughout her career, A Different World star has kept her political views private, yet faced backlash online for her association with Trump. Despite past criticisms of Trump’s policies and her choice not to endorse any candidate during the recent presidential election, Goldberg expressed support for Underwood’s decision during an episode of The View.

“People do what they do for whatever reason,” Goldberg remarked. “I have to support this.”

She added, “I’m standing behind her. If I believe that I have the right to make the decision to go perform in a place, I believe that they have the same right. I have to support. That doesn’t mean I’m particularly interested. I won’t watch, but that’s just me.”

Sunny Hostin, the host, mentioned that she would not be watching the inauguration either, opting instead for a “spa day.” Alyssa Farrah Griffin hoped society had moved past punishing individuals for their policy choices, saying, “If you have a problem, you file a complaint without downloading her songs or going to her concerts.”

Griffin also noted that Underwood might quickly become a “MAGA and American right-wing icon.”

In addition, Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, announced that they would also participate in Trump’s inaugural activities, stating, “We know some of you won’t like this, but we believe music should be performed without regard for politics.” He expressed hope that their song “YMCA” might help unite the country following a contentious election.

According to Associated Press, among the other performers slated for the inauguration are Trump’s favorite country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

Trump’s 2017 inauguration featured performances from the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and America’s Got Talent singer Jackie Evancho, while Aretha Franklin performed at Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, and Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson sang at his second in 2013.