Carrie Underwood & Kamala Harris Inauguration Snub: Video, Photos & Reactions
Did a moment of perceived disrespect overshadow the patriotic fervor of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration? The internet is ablaze with speculation, fueled by a seemingly simple gesture: country music superstar Carrie Underwood appeared to intentionally snub Vice President Kamala Harris, sparking a firestorm of debate that continues to smolder weeks later.
The incident, which took place on Monday, unfolded during the inauguration ceremony. Underwood, known for her powerful vocals, was slated to perform "America the Beautiful." However, technical difficulties arose, leaving the musical backing absent. Without missing a beat, Underwood, 41, demonstrated her professionalism and artistry by launching into an a cappella rendition of the iconic song. While the performance itself was widely praised, it was the singer's interaction, or lack thereof, with the former Vice President that quickly captured the attention of viewers and online commentators alike.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carrie Marie Underwood |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 2005present |
| Genre(s) | Country, Pop |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Notable Albums | Some Hearts (2005), Carnival Ride (2007), Blown Away (2012), Storyteller (2015), Cry Pretty (2018), My Savior (2021), Denim & Rhinestones (2022) |
| Awards | 8 Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, 17 ACM Awards, 26 CMT Music Awards, 7 AMA Awards |
| Known For | Winning American Idol (2005), powerful vocals, crossover success between country and pop music, numerous hit singles |
| Website | CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com |
The viral video footage shows Underwood shaking hands with several individuals, including former President Joe Biden, yet seemingly bypassing Vice President Harris. This perceived omission immediately sent shockwaves across social media platforms. Comments ranged from accusations of a deliberate snub to speculation about political motivations and lingering feud rumors. The "before he cheats" singer's actions ignited a flurry of interpretations, with many attempting to dissect the subtext behind the gesture. The incident was quickly dubbed "the snub" on various online channels.
Carrie Underwood snubbed Kamala Harris at the inauguration today when she skipped shaking her hand as she shook others around her, wrote one user, Mr.Pop, on X (formerly Twitter) on January 20th. The comment was one among many, as the digital world attempted to decipher the meaning behind the stars actions. The performance, which was originally only a few minutes in length, became a major talking point in the following weeks.
One of the central questions that emerged from the incident revolves around intent. Was Underwood's apparent disregard for Harris a calculated move? Or was there a less sinister explanation? Some observers posited that the singer might have simply been overwhelmed, caught up in the moment, or perhaps, had a different understanding of the protocol for interacting with the dignitaries present. Others pointed to the perceived political leanings of both women as a possible explanation, although it should be noted that Underwood has generally kept her political opinions private.
The impact of the technical difficulties at the start of Underwood's performance should not be understated. The fact that the backing music failed, and that the singer seamlessly switched to an a cappella rendition, was widely hailed as a moment of professionalism and poise. Many viewers and online users alike saw Underwoods actions as a testament to her talent and stage presence. One commentator said that she owned the moment, and said that she nailed it like a diva, praising her in front of the public. However, even this positive moment became intertwined with the controversy surrounding her interaction with the Vice President.
Critics of Underwood's actions were swift to express their disapproval. The reactions varied, with some expressing disappointment, others outright condemnation. Some users even went so far as to accuse the singer of racism, drawing parallels to other perceived instances of disrespect or bias. These comments drew further condemnation from other users. Some defended the singer, arguing that her behavior was being unfairly scrutinized. These individuals took to social media to assert that the incident had been blown out of proportion.
There are other interpretations, too. Some sources suggest that perhaps there was a misunderstanding of social etiquette or protocols. In this viewpoint, perhaps Underwood did not see Harris, or was distracted, or felt constrained by security and the tight organization of the ceremony, and did not realize a handshake was expected. However, such suggestions were soon dismissed as people tried to draw a definitive meaning from the sequence of events.
Social media users were not slow to weigh in, and they also included other celebrities. One account referenced RuPauls Drag Race, referencing the famous Coco Montrese and the phrase girl, find the note. Another famous supporter of Kamala Harris, the Wicked star, appeared to like a post with undertones of criticism toward Underwood's performance. The responses from other celebrities, along with other users, further fueled the controversy.
Amidst the flurry of accusations, interpretations, and defenses, it is important to remember the context of the situation. The inauguration of a president is a highly charged, symbolic event. Every detail, from the performers to the choreography, is carefully considered. The presence of political figures like Kamala Harris, a supporter of Joe Biden, adds another layer of complexity.
The entire spectacle was not devoid of a level of comedy for some observers. One person wrote that the whole event was a joke. Others used the incident to further their political agenda, either with Underwood or Harris in the crosshairs. A few made sure to add their opinions on the use of Underwood to gain ratings, adding more fuel to the fire.
Regardless of the intention behind the action, the incident sparked a broad discussion. What constitutes a snub? Does ones perception depend on their own political leanings? How much weight should be given to a brief interaction at a major public event? These questions, and more, were debated by observers across the political spectrum. The incident became part of the general public discourse about respect, etiquette, and the intersection of politics and celebrity.
The 2025 inauguration will likely be remembered for many reasons, including Carrie Underwood's a cappella performance, which was not originally planned. Some will focus on the political symbolism and social commentary of the moment, while others will focus on the music. The incident serves as a reminder of how even small interactions can be interpreted and debated. The incident shows how they can quickly become a part of the cultural conversation, and how they have the power to change the way the public perceives individuals in the spotlight. The story of Carrie Underwood and Kamala Harris has become a case study in the power of perception, and in the ever-present scrutiny of the digital age.
