The internet is buzzing with speculation over a viral video from Donald Trump’s inauguration that has fans questioning Carrie Underwood’s interaction with Kamala Harris. The country singer performed at the 60th Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025, delivering a stunning a capella version of America the Beautiful. The performance itself was well-received, but what happened afterward sparked a whirlwind of debate online.
In the clip making the rounds, Underwood is seen shaking hands with several prominent figures on stage, including Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Joe Biden. However, she appears to skip Kamala Harris, who was standing just inches away.
Fans and critics have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to dissect the moment. One user, @MrPopOfficial, shared the video, writing, “Carrie Underwood skipped Kamala Harris at the inauguration today. She shook hands with others, but not her. Didn’t she just talk about unity?” This comment ignited a firestorm of opinions, with people weighing in on whether the snub was intentional or just an awkward moment.
A Performance Marred by Drama
Underwood’s appearance at the event was already in the spotlight due to unexpected technical issues. Her performance of America the Beautiful had to go forward without a backing track after an audio failure. To her credit, she powered through and delivered a strong vocal performance, earning applause from the crowd, including outgoing President Joe Biden and newly inaugurated President Trump.
But the handshake moment right after the song stole the show. After finishing, Underwood turned to greet the leaders behind her. She shook hands with Joe Biden, exchanged a warm handshake with Trump, and smiled as JD Vance applauded her. Kamala Harris, who stood nearby, didn’t receive the same gesture, sparking claims that she was deliberately left out.
Internet Reactions
The video has drawn mixed reactions from social media users. Some fans defended Underwood, saying the moment was likely unintentional. “Come on, maybe she didn’t see her. Why would Carrie Underwood snub anyone on purpose?” wrote one user. Others weren’t convinced, with comments like, “She knew what she was doing. You don’t just skip someone standing right there.”
Another layer to the drama emerged when reports claimed Underwood was unhappy with her treatment at the inauguration. According to a viral post shared by multiple outlets, she allegedly felt sidelined compared to past performers like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. While those reports remain unconfirmed, they’ve added fuel to the fire.
What Does This Mean for Underwood’s Image?
Carrie Underwood has built a reputation as a wholesome, down-to-earth star. This controversy, however, has put her under the microscope in a way she’s rarely experienced. Whether intentional or not, the perceived snub has left some fans questioning her message of unity and inclusion.
While neither Underwood nor Harris has publicly addressed the incident, the internet isn’t ready to let it go just yet. Memes, debates, and think pieces continue to pour in as people try to interpret what really happened on that stage.
For now, the clip is just another example of how a small moment can snowball into a viral sensation. Whether it’s a misunderstanding or something more deliberate, one thing’s for sure—people are watching every move made in the spotlight, and they’re ready to talk about it.