Whoopi Goldberg defends Carrie Underwood for Donald Trump’s inauguration

Whoopi Goldberg is defending Carrie Underwood after the singer was criticized for accepting an invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.

By talking to him The view co-hosts Tuesday (January 14), the Sisters Act The star acknowledged that while she doesn’t personally align with the president-elect’s policies, the American idol The former has every right to perform wherever she wants. “People do what they do for whatever reason,” Goldberg began. “I’m standing behind her.”

“If I believe I have the right to decide to go play somewhere, I believe they have the same right,” the actress continued, fending off objections from co-hosts Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin. “I have to support. That doesn’t mean I’m particularly interested in watching (the inauguration) – I won’t watch. But it’s me.

Goldberg’s remarks come just a day after Billboard confirmed that Underwood will take the stage at Trump’s fast-approaching presidential inauguration, a poignant move given that the eight-time Grammy winner has refrained from sharing her political views throughout her career. His decision sparked immediate backlash from Trump’s opponents, but the “Before He Cheats” singer explained in a statement: “I love our country and am honored to have been invited to sing at the inauguration and to be part of this historic ceremony. event.”

“I am honored to answer this call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future,” she added.

Underwood is expected to perform “America the Beautiful” just before Trump is sworn in for the second time in eight years, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on January 20 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Village People is also part of the lineup. , the “YMCA” group announced Monday, January 13, that it had “accepted an invitation from President-elect Trump’s campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President-elect Trump.”

Watch Goldberg talk about Underwood’s inauguration decision below.