Lee Greenwood defended Carrie Underwood amid mixed reactions after she agreed to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.
"Carrie Underwood is a great artist," the "God Bless America" singer told Fox News Digital on Friday. "A great singer. I've sung with her before. She'll be doing a great job singing 'America the Beautiful' at the Capitol."
"I sing before the president is sworn in," he added. "She will sing afterward. And the moment will be magical. For those who have something negative to say, I advise you not to say it. Don't attack a friend of mine who is here for the same reason I am. The 47th President of the United States President's inauguration."
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Lee Greenwood is defending Carrie Underwood after she was criticized by some for her choice to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday. (Getty Images)
Underwood has largely kept her political beliefs to herself, but confirmed her involvement earlier this week.
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Underwood said she was "honored" to be asked to perform at the inauguration. (Parras Griffin/ABAGetty Images)
"I love our country and am honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said. The Armed Forces Chorus and the U.S. Naval Academy Chorus will join Underwood Wood participated. in a statement. “I am honored to answer this call at a time when we all must act in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
While some criticized her, others were quick to express support.
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On last week's episode of the "Amy & TJ" podcast, TJ Holmes said: "You'd better believe a lot of her fans, and a lot of people are divided on her involvement — you can check out her response if you want — but She's performing. Hey, damn...it's an American event, it's a patriotic event in many ways, and it's just a beautiful event that happens every four years, who wouldn't agree with that? Who is the president and you can’t get involved because people have opinions about politics, policy or individuals?”
Underwood has received mixed reactions to her upcoming performance at Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony. (played by Chris Polk)
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"Yes, I think Carrie Underwood made the decision that was right for her and she has a beautiful voice and I can't wait to hear her voice," added Amy Robach.
As for Greenwood — who has performed at numerous Trump-related events, including the 2017 inauguration and the 2024 Republican National Convention — the singer said it was a relief to be on stage again at such a historic event. "A great honor."
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"I mean, there are thousands of people who would love to come to Washington, D.C., to watch this game live. And there's going to be a lot of people. But to be on that stage with him, it's just a great privilege."
Greenwood will perform his ballad "God Bless America" on January 20. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Greenwood said he is looking forward to what the next four years will bring.
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"To me, President Donald Trump, we have full confidence in you, as I spoke with you at Mar-a-Lago, over the next four years, you will be a peacemaker," he told Fox News Digital channel. "You will change the way the world sees America. We are all committed to making America great again and making America great again. Starting with my father's tenure in the Navy, the Merchant Marine during World War II, and my wife's father's tenure in the U.S. , military, we know you respect the military and use it wisely, and thank you for all you do for all of us, and American citizens stand with you."
Trump's presidential inauguration will feature performances by Country residents Underwood and Greenwood.
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