Amid Polarization and Adversity, Carrie Underwood Crafts a Unifying Moment


One of the most frustrating and unfortunate byproducts of the intense political polarization in the United States over the last 25 years has been our inability to find universal consensus over what otherwise should be unifying moments and subjects. At this point, it’s muscle memory for many of us to elicit negative responses to things we otherwise would be amenable to or enjoy, or that might outright inspire us.

In many ways, country music is no different. It’s like a microcosm of the United States with the cultural war and political binary running straight down the middle of the genre, segregating popular country and independent country/Americana, with the two sides refusing to acknowledge the virtues and importance of the other, and rooting for their demise, despite their shared experience, historical connection, and sometimes even common purpose.

Recognizing the talent of Carrie Underwood has been one of the few consensus points between the two sides. She’s pop country no doubt, but with a Howitzer of a voice delivering perfect pitch through waves of emotion that is difficult to impossible not to acknowledge, respect, and be moved by, unless you’re bias robs you of that experience. With some exceptions of course, Underwood has been a respite during country award shows from the sheer, unmitigated talent she displays.

Country regularly gets shamed by the singing talent of pop and R&B when displayed in places such as the Grammy Awards, sports events, or other universally-witnessed national moments, with the genre often being locked out of these big opportunities because the mainstream over the last many years has been so talent bereft. That was not the case for Carrie Underwood and her performance of “America the Beautiful” at the Presidential inauguration on Monday, January 20th.

Preceded by statements that made it abundantly clear that her appearance was in no way a political endorsement, but she was answering a call that was extended to her to serve her country in this small, but important capacity that she hoped would deliver a unifying moment, Carrie Underwood accomplished that very thing, despite the incredibly polarizing circumstances. And she did it through her talent, poise, and grace.

Fans and observers of music, sports, and even politics know that often the most inspiring and memorable moments happen not when everything goes right, but when most everything goes wrong, yet an individual rises to the occasion to deliver a “moment.” It reminds us of our flawed humanity, and our capacity to overcome adversity. When technical difficulties precluded accompanying audio from being played while millions watched awkwardly all around the world, Carrie Underwood mouthed, “I can just sing it,” and performed “America The Beautiful” acapella.


And despite those that called for the complete and utter cancellation of Carrie Underwood due to her mere presence at the ceremony, it seemed completely apropos that many of the camera angles did not include President Trump or Vice President Vance in the background, but former presidents Biden and Clinton, along with Kamala Harris, illustrating at least the attempt to put a unifying face on the proceedings, and the foolishness of concluding that anyone merely present was condoning any and all actions of the current President.

If you wish, you can compare this to Beyoncé in 2013, who decided to lip sync the National Anthem when she was told she wouldn’t have time to rehearse to the backing track. Or compare it to the terrible Billy Ray Cyrus performances at a ball later in the day, also blamed on technical difficulties, but ones he couldn’t, and didn’t overcome.

Carrie Underwood is no longer the top tier woman in country music that she was coming off her American Idol win. Some questioned the wisdom of her decision to perform at such a contentious function (including Saving Country Music), while others wondered if it was a Hail Mary to help revitalize her career. Either way, Carrie Underwood delivered, and in a way few will forget, and history will forever remember.

Will some still criticize Carrie Underwood for simply participating? Of course they will. But not an unimportant amount of people who were otherwise repulsed by what transpired on Monday, January 20th will tip their cap and acknowledge that Carrie Underwood killed it, and in unfavorable circumstances.

Soon the honeymoon of the Trump Administration will be over, and hopes and dreams will be replaced by reality, however that reality unfolds compared to the promises given during the always polarizing election season. But as for Carrie Underwood, she promised a unifying moment, and she delivered one, proving once again the superior power of music.

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