Carrie Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration sparked controversy, and the impact on her streaming numbers was immediate. According to entertainment data analysts Luminate, her music streams on January 20 – the day of the inauguration – dropped to 1.46 million, a 6% decline from 1.55 million the previous Monday.

The backlash began as soon as Underwood’s participation was announced. Social media users voiced their displeasure, with one commenter on X stating, “Carrie Underwood is [performing] at Trump’s inauguration, so I’m boycotting all her music.” Another criticised her on Instagram, writing, “So gross that you’re supporting Trump! History won’t forget.” Underwood addressed the criticism in a statement to The Independent, expressing her patriotism and hope for unity: “I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration… I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together.” Rapper Nelly, who performed at Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball, also faced backlash and saw a decline in streams. His music was streamed 1.54 million times on inauguration day, down from 1.63 million the week prior. The controversy highlights the polarising nature of performing at politically charged events, with both artists seeing tangible impacts on their audience engagement.