Ariana Grande under fire for allegedly shading Carrie Underwood

Ariana Grande has sparked online debate after appearing to shade Carrie Underwood following the American Idol winner’s performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

Underwood faced unexpected technical difficulties during her rendition of America The Beautiful when the track failed to play.

Left in silence, she pleaded with the audience in the U.S. Capitol, urging, “If you know the words, help me out here,” before performing a cappella.

According to Daily Mail, the performance, which had already drawn backlash due to Underwood’s decision to participate in the event, received fresh criticism after Grande, 31, liked an Instagram post by internet personality Evan Ross Katz.

Moreover, the post poked fun at Underwood, featuring a snapshot of her singing while Vice President Kamala Harris stood in the background with a seemingly unimpressed expression.

Additionally, Katz captioned it as, “Kamala Harris evoking Coco Montrese (‘Girl, find the note’) watching Carrie Underwood at today’s chilling Inauguration,” referencing a line from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

As per the publication, Grande’s social media activity quickly went viral, with fans applauding her subtle jab as one user posted on X, “And that’s why Ari is queen,” while others defended Underwood, claiming attempts to “cancel” her were unfair.

In response to criticism, Underwood maintained that her performance was an act of patriotism. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration,” she said in a prior statement.

However, the outlet revealed that the singer was frustrated with the event's arrangements, citing cramped conditions and inadequate acoustics as major obstacles.

Furthermore, Underwood’s performance was part of a lineup that included acts such as Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, and the Village People, with Trump dancing to Y.M.C.A. during pre-inauguration festivities.