Whoopi Goldberg Defends Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance Amid Backlash

NEW YORK — Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View,” defended country singer Carrie Underwood‘s decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump‘s second inauguration during a heated discussion on the show Tuesday. Underwood announced she will sing “America the Beautiful” at the Jan. 20 event, sparking backlash from some Trump critics.

“I stand behind her,” Goldberg said. “If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe they have the same right. So I have to support (her). It doesn’t mean I’m particularly interested in watching. I won’t be watching. But that’s me.”

Goldberg compared Underwood’s situation to MSNBC hosts who interviewed Trump after his 2020 election win, which also drew criticism. She argued that, like Underwood, the hosts did what they felt “they needed to do, and I’ve got to stand behind them.”

Not all of Goldberg’s co-hosts shared her perspective. Joy Behar said she would “not normalize” Trump by singing at his inauguration, while Sunny Hostin added that if she were a singer, she would give a “hard no” to the performance invite. However, both emphasized their support for free speech, with Behar stating she would “not be the person” to tell someone else not to perform.

Meanwhile, Sara Haines expressed hope that society is moving beyond canceling people over political differences. “If you have a problem with Carrie Underwood’s decision, register your complaint by not downloading her songs and not going to her shows,” Haines said.

In a statement Monday, Underwood said, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Behar criticized Underwood’s statement, questioning how she could support someone Behar believes “wants to destroy the country.”

The Village People, known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.,” also announced their participation in inauguration events. In a Facebook post Monday, the group said, “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear, however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.” They added that their song is “a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign.”

Victor Willis, the group’s only original member, reflected on their decision in a recent interview with Fox & Friends. While initially hesitant about performing at the inauguration due to concerns about perceived endorsements, Willis said they would “seriously consider” an invitation from Trump, citing the joy the president-elect has brought to fans through their music.

Willis also addressed the perception of “Y.M.C.A.” as a gay anthem, stating that it was never intended to be one. “The true anthem is Y.M.C.A.’s appeal to people of all stripes, including President-elect Trump,” he said.