Why Whoopi Goldberg Stands By Carrie Underwood Singing at Donald Trump’s Presidential Inauguration
When Carrie Underwood performed at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January 2017, the country music star stirred up a storm of reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praised her for lending her voice to the historic event, others questioned why she, a beloved figure in the entertainment world, would align herself with a polarizing political figure. Amid the backlash, one prominent voice came to Underwood’s defense: Whoopi Goldberg.
Goldberg, a co-host of The View and outspoken advocate for free expression, took a bold stance on the issue, backing Underwood’s decision to perform at the inauguration. The actress, comedian, and media personality’s defense was rooted in a belief that artists should have the freedom to make their own choices without facing undue judgment from the public.
In this article, we delve into why Goldberg supports Underwood’s performance, the broader context of celebrity involvement in political events, and the ongoing debate over entertainers’ roles in politics.
The Inauguration Performance: A Controversial Moment
Carrie Underwood, one of country music’s biggest stars and winner of American Idol, was among a select group of performers chosen to participate in Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. She was tasked with singing “The National Anthem,” a quintessential American anthem and a staple at high-profile events.
Her involvement was controversial for several reasons. As a highly successful artist in a genre traditionally aligned with conservative values, Underwood’s appearance at a Trump-led inauguration seemed to send a message to fans who might have been disillusioned with the incoming administration. The political climate at the time was deeply divided, with Trump’s election sparking protests and calls for resistance from many sectors of society. For some, Underwood’s performance felt like an endorsement of the new president.
Despite this backlash, Underwood has repeatedly defended her choice to perform. She expressed that she felt a sense of duty to represent the country and uphold traditions, as the inauguration was a moment of historical significance. However, the reactions from critics were swift and loud, with many questioning why a singer of Underwood’s stature would choose to perform at an event that was seen by some as a symbol of division.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Defense: An Artist’s Right to Choose
In the aftermath of Underwood’s performance, Whoopi Goldberg publicly supported the singer, and her stance on the matter was grounded in principles of artistic freedom and individual choice. Goldberg argued that, as an entertainer, Underwood had every right to perform at the inauguration if she felt it was important to her, and that artists should not be scrutinized for their decisions to engage with political events.
On The View, Goldberg stated, “I don’t care who’s the president, I don’t care who’s in charge. If somebody asks me to sing the national anthem, I’m gonna do it. It’s a song about the country, not about the politics of the president.” She emphasized that the performance was about honoring a national tradition rather than endorsing a specific political figure. To Goldberg, Underwood’s participation in the inauguration was less about supporting Donald Trump and more about fulfilling an important, non-partisan role in a moment of American history.
Goldberg’s defense of Underwood was consistent with her broader philosophy about the role of celebrities in politics. Over the years, Goldberg has argued that entertainers should be allowed to express their views and make decisions about political involvement without facing backlash or condemnation. This belief was especially poignant given that celebrities on both sides of the political spectrum often find themselves under scrutiny when they make public statements or participate in political events.
The Broader Debate Over Celebrities and Politics
Goldberg’s comments about Underwood’s performance at the inauguration fit into a larger debate about the intersection of entertainment and politics. The question of whether artists should engage with politics has been a subject of intense discussion for decades. From musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez using their platform to voice social justice concerns during the civil rights movement to actors like Jane Fonda and Leonardo DiCaprio speaking out on issues such as climate change, entertainers have often been at the forefront of political activism.
However, as the political landscape has become more polarized, the participation of celebrities in political events has become increasingly contentious. In the case of Trump’s inauguration, entertainers faced intense pressure to either support or oppose the event. Some high-profile artists, like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, chose to perform at events supporting progressive causes, while others, like Underwood, opted to participate in the inauguration.
This dichotomy reflects the challenges that entertainers face in navigating their roles as public figures with political opinions. Whether they choose to speak out or stay neutral, celebrities often find themselves subject to intense scrutiny from fans, critics, and the media.
The Role of Music and Art in National Moments
What many critics of Underwood’s performance failed to recognize, Goldberg pointed out, was the role of music and art in national moments of significance. In a country where the national anthem is performed at virtually every major political event, it is an emblem of unity, even amid division. By performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Underwood was participating in an American tradition that transcended the politics of the moment.
Goldberg echoed this sentiment, noting that the song itself represents the ideals of freedom and democracy, regardless of who holds office. “It’s about the country, not the man,” Goldberg said. “We all need to remember that.”
Goldberg’s perspective is rooted in her long-standing support for the arts as a force for unity and understanding. In her defense of Underwood, she reminded viewers that the arts often provide a platform for expressing ideas and emotions that can bridge political and ideological divides.
Conclusion: A Matter of Personal Choice
In the end, Whoopi Goldberg’s support for Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration can be seen as a defense of personal freedom and artistic expression. While some may disagree with Underwood’s decision, Goldberg’s stance highlights the importance of respecting an individual’s right to make their own choices, regardless of the political climate. By focusing on the broader significance of the moment and the role of art in society, Goldberg encouraged fans and critics alike to view Underwood’s performance not as an endorsement of Trump, but as a tribute to a national tradition that transcends partisan divides.
In a world where celebrity opinions are often scrutinized and politicized, Goldberg’s defense of Underwood serves as a reminder that, at the end of the day, the personal and artistic freedoms of individuals should be respected, regardless of their political affiliations.
