"This performance was a mess": Internet reacts as ex-NHLer Mike Fisher's wife Carrie Underwood goes acapella at Donald Trump's inauguration

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified Jan 21, 2025 12:49 GMT

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Former NHLer Mike Fisher’s wife and country singer, Carrie Underwood, performed “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. However, she had to go acapella following an unexpected audio malfunction.

Her solo performance came just after Vice President JD Vance’s oath of office and Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th president. The country music star, dressed in a simple gray gown with a sparkling diamond bracelet, was set to sing with the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.

When technical difficulties caused an extended silence, Underwood stepped up, asking attendees in the U.S. Capitol rotunda to “help me out here.”

The clip of Underwood’s acapella performance has since been making the rounds on the internet. Netizens took to the comments section, and some even criticized the country musician.

Following are some fan reactions from X:

“This performance was a mess.”

“She did NOT eat,” quipped one user.

“LMAOOOO she can’t hide behind tracking vocals and instrumental now. she sounds a mess,” commented another user.

Meanwhile, some users praised Underwood for stepping up despite the technical issues. They felt she deserved appreciation for handling the situation well.

“Carrie Underwood faced technical issues at Trump’s inauguration, so she performed a cappella—and absolutely owned it. Grace, power, and talent. Unforgettable. 🇺🇸🎤,” a fan posted.

“Doing this a capella on the spot takes a lot of courage and talent,” one user wrote.

“I enjoyed Carrie's performance more without the background music - it was nice hearing everyone else sing along with her,” another netizen commented.

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Wayne Gretzky and Janet Gretzky attended Donald Trump’s inauguration ball

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and his wife, Janet, were among the notable attendees at President Donald Trump’s inauguration day ball in Washington, D.C., on Monday. The event celebrated Trump’s second term with a star-studded guest list that included Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane, boxing icon Mike Tyson, UFC champion Jon Jones and Miss USA 2024, Alma Cooper.

The Gretzkys were both dressed in classic black tuxedos and attended the gala held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Evander Kane took the opportunity to capture a photo with the hockey legend and his wife and shared a few snaps from the evening on his Instagram stories.

Kane also shared pictures with UFC icon Jon Jones and current Miss USA Alma Cooper. He later met Mike Tyson at the ball. The event was part of a trio of inaugural celebrations, including the Liberty and Freedom Balls, which President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended earlier in the evening.