American Idol showrunner defends Carrie Underwoods Trump inauguration performance: That was her decision

Carrie Underwood has “American Idol” on her side.After collecting backlash for performing at Donald Trump’s second inauguration, which resulted in the star belting out “America the Beautiful” a cappella due to a technical difficulty, the current showrunner for the competition series is coming to Underwood’s defense.The country superstar, 41, recently replaced Katy Perry as a judge on “American Idol,” stepping into the “Firework” singer’s role for Season 23.“That was her decision,” Wolflick told The Wrap in an interview published Sunday, March 9.

“Katy Perry, who was a judge on our show, sang at the last inauguration as well, so isn’t that great that two American Idol judges sang at the last two inaugurations?”Perry performed at former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ inauguration in 2021.Wolflick continued to praise Underwood, noting, “She held her own, and she remained cool, calm and collected” during the technical mishap.

“I think a lot of that has to do with Idol and all of her live experience, starting at a young age, being on live television for Idol,” she shared of the singer, who won Season 4 of “American Idol” in 2005.The showrunner also shared her hopes for Underwood’s return to the signing series, promising the public will warm up to the star.“It’s going to be an amazing discovery for people when they watch Carrie and see how warm and kind and funny she is,” she added.“People might have an opinion about her, of what kind of personality that she is and what her interests are, and it’s like an onion — you discover so many layers throughout the season.”During her inauguration performance in January, Underwood begged the crowd to “help me out here” after appearing to be told about the technical issue by a man with a headset.

“Just sing?” she seemingly asked.“I can just sing it.”The Grammy winner was joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United St...