P1.ALL FOR FREE -Carrie Underwood ‘got paid $0’ to perform at inauguration and likely made appearance for ‘prestige’.P1
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood may not have received any performance fee for her appearance at the recent U.S. presidential inauguration, according to a celebrity business expert who believes the singer accepted the invitation largely for the honor and visibility rather than compensation.
In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, Michael Schweiger, CEO of CMG Digital Media, said he believes Underwood, 41, was not paid to perform “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony—despite the performance drawing significant attention after a series of technical difficulties forced her to sing a cappella.
“I don’t think they paid her a dime,” Schweiger said. “To get her there, they probably covered airfare and accommodations. That’s it.”
A Performance Marked by Technical Challenges
Underwood’s performance took place inside the Rotunda of the United States Capitol on Monday, January 20, as part of the inauguration proceedings attended by top political leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Deb Fischer.
What was expected to be a traditional, orchestrated rendition of “America the Beautiful” quickly turned into a high-pressure moment when audio issues disrupted the backing track. With little time to adjust and millions watching, Underwood continued the performance without musical accompaniment.
Rather than falter, she delivered the song live, relying solely on her voice—a move that many viewers later praised as poised and professional.
“It was actually a great moment,” Schweiger said. “That’s a huge honor, and she handled it beautifully. It showed real confidence and talent.”
Paid Gala vs. Ceremonial Prestige
Schweiger explained that inauguration ceremonies typically operate very differently from commercial events or luxury galas, where artists often receive substantial fees for brief performances.
“If she had performed at one of the high-end inaugural balls or private galas, she absolutely would have been paid,” he said. “Those events have entertainment budgets. The ceremony itself is about symbolism and tradition.”
According to Schweiger, appearances at events of national importance often function as prestige opportunities—especially for artists already at the peak of their careers.
“At that level, it’s not about the check,” he added. “It’s about being part of history.”
A Calculated Career Move?
Underwood, a multiple Grammy Award winner and one of the most commercially successful country artists of all time, has remained largely silent about the controversy surrounding the performance, including speculation about payment and the technical mishap.
Industry insiders note that for artists of Underwood’s stature, the exposure and legacy tied to a moment like a presidential inauguration can outweigh any financial incentive.
“This is the kind of thing that gets mentioned in biographies, documentaries, and career retrospectives,” one music publicist said. “Money fades. Moments like this don’t.”
Public Reaction Remains Mixed
While many praised Underwood’s composure under pressure, reactions online were mixed, with some viewers questioning why such a high-profile performance lacked adequate technical preparation. Others, however, argued that the stripped-down delivery made the moment more powerful.
“She didn’t complain. She didn’t stop,” one fan wrote on social media. “She just sang. That’s professionalism.”
Whether paid or not, Underwood’s performance has become one of the most talked-about musical moments of the inauguration—proof that sometimes, an unplanned silence can be just as impactful as a perfectly orchestrated show.
As Schweiger summed it up: “She didn’t walk away richer in money—but she may have walked away richer in legacy.”
