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Pop sensation Ariana Grande has ignited social media debate after subtly shading Carrie Underwood's 2025 inauguration performance through a simple Instagram 'like.' The 31-year-old "Eternal Sunshine" singer endorsed a critical post about Underwood's a cappella rendition of "America the Beautiful" at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
The controversy centered around Grande's interaction with internet personality Evan Ross Katz's Instagram post, which featured a photo of Underwood performing alongside an apparently unimpressed Vice President Kamala Harris. The caption read: "Kamala Harris evoking Coco Montrese ('Girl, find the note') watching Carrie Underwood at today's chilling Inauguration," referencing a "RuPaul's Drag Race" quote.
Grande's social media activity quickly divided fans. "She's not afraid to throw some shade when it feels deserved," one supporter wrote on X, while another declared, "We stand with Ariana." The tension was heightened by the singers' contrasting political stances, with Grande having openly endorsed Harris in the 2024 election.
Underwood, 41, had faced initial backlash for agreeing to perform at the inauguration. "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," she stated. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity."
According to inside sources, the performance was plagued by technical difficulties after being moved indoors due to frigid temperatures. "Carrie was dissatisfied with her performance at the event, primarily due to the limited space she was given, which left her feeling cramped and uncomfortable," a source told DailyMail.com.
Supporters of Underwood rushed to her defense, with one fan tweeting, "I thought she did a good job, though. There was no music and she didn't know what was going on. I could have never sung like that!" Country singer Lee Greenwood also defended her, criticizing those spreading "negativity" instead of showing gratitude for her participation.
