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Carrie Underwood's next big move after her celebrated presidential inauguration performance

Carrie Underwood showcased her next big move following her triumphant performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Underwood will appear as a judge on season 23 of "American Idol" and took to social media to celebrate her upcoming gig with her fans.

"'Then' as a contestant vs. β€˜Now’ as a judgeΒ 20 years later!" Underwood captioned a post on Instagram. The now 41-year-old singer won season four of the singing competition.

β€˜AMERICAN IDOL’ ALUM CARRIE UNDERWOOD REPLACING KATY PERRY AS JUDGE

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Underwood revealed she is "counting down" the days until the season premiere of "American Idol" on March 9.

The singer recently performed at President Trump's inauguration, where she sang "America the Beautiful" a cappella after some technical difficulties.

The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer was seen telling the production team "I can just sing it" after the accompanying music would not play.

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Underwood replaced "American Idol" judge Katy Perry. Auditions for the latest season began on August 12.

"This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on β€˜Idol’ and launched her successful multi-GRAMMY Award-winning career. As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television," Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich said in a press release in August. "This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie."

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When asked what kind of judge she would be on the popular singing competition show, she admitted, "I do have a big problem … I can’t lie."

"I feel like I’ll be very honest but hopefully constructive and encouraging," Underwood told "Good Morning America," ahead of her debut.

The "Before He Cheats" singer also reflected on how she feels returning to the show after being crowned the "American Idol" in 2005.Β 

"It feels like home," Underwood said. "There are so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant."

"I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight, and help. . . . "

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.

Trump inauguration performer Lee Greenwood defends Carrie Underwood against critics

After Carrie Underwood received mixed reactions for agreeing to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, Lee Greenwood is coming to the country star's defense.Β 

"Carrie Underwood is a great artist," the "God Bless the USA" singer told Fox News Digital on Friday. "A great singer. I've sang with her before. She will do a great job singing at the Capitol with β€˜America the Beautiful.’"

"I'll sing before the President takes his oath," he added. "She will sing after. And just the moment will be magic. For those people who have something negative to say, I say keep it to yourself. Don't attack a friend of mine who is here for the same reason as I am to inaugurate the 47th President of the United States."

LEE GREENWOOD SAYS THE 'PENDULUM HAS SWUNG,' SENSES A CONSERVATIVE REVIVAL IN AMERICA

Underwood, who has mostly stayed away from voicing her political beliefs, confirmed her participation earlier this week.Β 

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"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," Underwood, who will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, said in a statement. "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."

While some criticized her, including Joy Behar of "The View", others were quick to offer their support.Β 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD JOINED BY VILLAGE PEOPLE, LEE GREENWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS

During an episode of the "Amy & T.J." podcast last week, T.J. Holmes said, "You better believe a lot of her fans and a lot of people are split on her participation β€” you can go look up her response if you'd like β€” but she's performing. Hey, it's the damn ... it's an inauguration. It's an American event, it's a patriotic event in a lot of ways, and it's just a beautiful event that happens every four years in this country. To participate in it, who wouldn't say yes to that? Does it matter who the president is? Can you not participate because people have an issue with politics or the policies or the person?"

JASON ALDEAN, KID ROCK JOIN CARRIE UNDERWOOD AT TRUMP INAUGURATION EVENTS

"Yeah, I think that Carrie Underwood made the decision that was right for her, and she has a beautiful voice, and I can't wait to hear it," Amy Robach added.Β 

As for Greenwood β€” who has performed a handful of times for Trump-related events, including the 2017 inauguration and the 2024 Republican National Convention β€” the singer said it is a "great privilege" to be hitting the stage again at such a historical event.Β 

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"To be included in this, I mean, there's thousands and thousands of people who had loved to be here in Washington, D.C., to watch this live. And there will be a bunch. But to be on stage with him, it's just a great privilege."

Greenwood said he's looking forward to what the next four years will bring.Β 

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"To my President, Donald Trump, we have confidence in you that the next four years, as I spoke to you at Mar-a-Lago, you are a peacemaker," he told Fox News Digital. "You're going to change the way the world thinks about America. We are all on board about MAGA and Making America Great Again. From my father's time in the Navy, in the Merchant Marine during World War Two and my wife's father's tenure in the Army, we know that you respect the military, and you use it wisely. Just thank you for all that you will do for all the rest of us. The citizens of America stand with you."

Trump's presidential inauguration events will feature performances by Underwood the Village People and Greenwood.

Carrie Underwood joined by Village People, Lee Greenwood at Trump inauguration events

Donald Trump's presidential inauguration events will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, Village People and Lee Greenwood.

Underwood issued a statement on Monday, saying she is "honored" to be able to perform as Trump takes the oath of office on January 20 at the U.S. Capitol.

"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," Underwood said, according to The Associated Press. "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."

Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" winner, will be singing "America the Beautiful" and will be joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.Β 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO PERFORM β€˜AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ AT TRUMP INAUGURATION

Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" after Vice President-elect JD Vance takes his Oath of Office and before Trump takes the Presidential Oath of Office.Β 

The '70s disco group Village People have been a staple during Trump's rallies over the past year, with hits like "Y.M.C.A" and "Macho Man" being played.Β 

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The group is slated to perform at one of Trump's inaugural balls and a rally he's holding in Washington in the day leading up to his inauguration.

Village People shared a statement on Facebook on Monday. "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," the band said.Β 

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"Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost," they continued. "Therefore, we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."

The Associated Press reported that along with Greenwood, opera singer Christopher Macchio is set to make a performance during Trump's inauguration festivities.

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