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Carrie Underwood back on social media after dividing fans with slated performance at Donald Trump inauguration

Carrie Underwood isn’t shying from the spotlight amid controversy.

The Muskogee, Oklahoma native, 41, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday with a clip promoting a collaboration with Cody Johnson, after receiving a mixed response when she announced she would sing America the Beautiful at Donald Trump’s inauguration January 20.

Some lauded Underwood for responding to the opportunity, while others were upset, seeing the outing as tacit support for the controversial incoming president.

Underwood didn’t acknowledge the feedback in either direction, as she promoted a new project with Johnson.

‘Excited to be sharing something with y’all tomorrow!’ the artists said in a joint statement. ‘YouTube: Set your reminders for 10am CT so you don’t miss it.’

The Grammy-winning country songstress was seen with Johnson in the clip performing I’m Gonna Love You, their collab which was released last fall.

Carrie Underwood, 41, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday after receiving a mixed response when she announced she would sing America the Beautiful at Donald Trump’s inauguration January 20

President-elect Donald Trump, seen last month in Paris, will be sworn in on January 20

The American Idol alum will perform before Trump is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol, according to an inaugural program reviewed by the AP on Monday.

The Little Toy Guns singer said in a statement Monday, ‘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. 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.’

The Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol, sources told Dailymail.com earlier this week of her decision to perform.

‘This is something that she is very proud of, and the spin she is putting on it is that she is doing it for America, not specifically for Trump,’ an insider said.

The insider said that Underwood wasn’t focused on the politics of the situation, but embracing the large platform.

‘She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,’ the source said, ‘so this was a no-brainer as she feels there is more good that will come from it besides those that will bash her for what it looks like supporting Trump.

‘She knows that it will all pass and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America.’

The source noted that Underwood was hoping to bring people together with her genre: ‘She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.’

The Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol

The Grammy-winning country songstress was seen with Johnson (pictured) in the clip performing I’m Gonna Love You, their collab which was released last fall

Fans on social media were split about Underwood’s agreement to perform at the inauguration

In regard to her return to the Fox musical competition, the source said Underwood ‘is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.’

Underwood is among a number of artists slated to perform as Trump begins his second term.

Others slated to take the stage in the nation’s capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The U.S.A. singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump emerges to take his oath.

Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University’s Praise Choir are also set to perform.

During Trump’s 2017 inauguration, entertainers to take the stage included America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes.

Carrie Underwood’s biggest controversies as she’s slammed for supporting Donald Trump’s inauguration

Country music legend Carrie Underwood has been hit with a barrage of criticism after agreeing to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration later today

Carrie Underwood, the country music icon, has shown her support for the embattled Donald Trump in a significant way.

The renowned singer is set to perform “America the Beautiful” at his inauguration later today, sharing the stage with Village People at two separate events. Carrie, who rose to fame through American Idol, will perform just before the scandal-ridden President takes his oath inside the Capitol.

However, the 41-year-old singer-songwriter has previously taken jabs at Trump, most notably during the 2017 Country Music Awards. During the event, she and Brad Paisley humorously referenced the former Apprentice star. They performed an updated version of her hit song Before He Cheats, tweaking the lyrics to satirize Trump’s peculiar Twitter tirades.

“It’s fun to watch, yeah, that’s for sure, ’til little Rocket Man starts a nuclear war,” one lyric read. But it seems she has now retracted her previous remarks. So, what controversies has she been involved in prior to her performance for the ex-reality star turned politician? The Mirror has dug into the archives.

Carrie Underwood will perform at scandal-hit Donald Trump’s inauguration (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

‘Career hits an all time low’

Fans predict Carrie’s career will be ‘over’ after supporting Donald Trump (Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)

Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform at the inauguration has sparked a backlash from fans, despite her stating she was “humbled” to accept the invitation. In an interview with Associated Press, she expressed her love for the country and her honor at being asked to sing at the historic event, emphasizing the need for unity and looking to the future.

However, fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some claiming that Carrie’s career is “over.”

One user tweeted: “Carrie Underwood’s career dropping to the lowest it’s ever been and she hasn’t had a hit song in over 10 years.” Another said: “Say bye-bye to your career!!!” A third user responded: “Carrie Underwood will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration: ‘We must all come together in the spirit of unity’ Her career is over.”

Some fans even went as far as to say they would block her on all apps and boycott her music.

Celebrity feud

Carrie was rumoured to have a feud with Hilary Duff (Image: Getty Images)

The controversy has also brought up past rumors of a feud between Carrie Underwood and Hilary Duff, with one user recalling an incident where Hilary allegedly refused to interact with Carrie at a hockey game. The post has gone viral, with many praising Hilary for “always staying winning.”

During the 2006/2007 NHL season, Carrie Underwood and Hilary Duff became the subject of speculation when it was discovered that their significant others at the time, Mike Fisher and Mike Comrie respectively, were teammates. The buzz intensified after a photo surfaced showing the two women sitting apart at an Ottawa Senators game.

Fans couldn’t resist chiming in on social media. A particular fan commented, “Hilary knew best, man. She tried to tell us.” Another speculated about Carrie’s lyrics, pondering: “Was Hillary the ‘other woman’ in Carrie Underwoods ‘Before he cheats song’ Genuinely curious if this is true.”

So far, Carrie and Hillary have remained silent on any rumored rivalry.

Before He Cheats

Carrie faced backlash over her hit song Before He Cheats (Image: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)Don’t Miss

Carrie’s hit Before He Cheats has recently attracted backlash online, with one dismayed Reddit user criticizing: “This is an extremely toxic mindset and if what I’ve said so far holds any weight or truth then I’m pretty sure that this kind of behaviour qualifies as abuse. And I should know. As a woman I’ve been taught to look out for red flags, and this entire song is f—— full of them. If I was the man described in this song I would file a restraining order against the singer.”

The controversial lyrics from the song include: “I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up four-wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats, I took a Louisville slugger to both headlight.”

A Reddit user chimed in: “If this person has had a bad personal experience with their partner, then why isn’t the song about that? Why isn’t the partner being punished for something that they actually did, rather than being “punished” in anticipation of something they might not have even done?”

COVID-19 controversy

Carrie liked a Tweet opposing mask mandates during the pandemic (Image: Getty Images)

During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, which saw millions donning masks globally to curb the virus spread, Carrie faced backlash.

She liked a now-deleted tweet from Matt Walsh opposing mask mandates for children in Nashville schools, likening them to child abuse. Her fans didn’t miss the like and were less than pleased.

The situation escalated when her husband declared lockdowns ineffective.

Sports jabs

Carrie took aim at Anaheim Ducks fans before husband Mike took on the NHL team (
Image:
Getty Images)

While her husband, retired NHL player Mike Fisher was active, Carrie seemed to take a swipe at the Anaheim Ducks before their match against Fisher’s team, the Nashville Predators. In 2017, she tweeted: “Woah, what’s with all the empty seats in Anaheim tonight?! Wouldn’t happen in #Smashville that’s for sure.”

A Ducks fan quickly retorted, one writing: “Kinda reminiscent of your shows, Carrie?’

‘Out of touch’ parenting advice

Carrie was slammed for parenting advice

Parenting it’s the one topic that can ignite a heated debate.

Carrie couldn’t contain her excitement for a little me-time as she celebrated her kids’ return to school with a glass of bubbly. Chatting on Sirius XM, she dished out some cheeky advice: “My advice to parents sending their children back to school is mimosas on the first day.”

She gushed about her love for family time but admitted, “I also love when they just go to school for just a little bit so mama can have a mimosa and, like, mop the floor, you know?” However, her light-hearted comments didn’t sit well with everyone. A social media user responded, “She’s a sweet soul and this was intended to be cute and lighthearted but… Sigh… It’s just… very out of touch in more ways than one.”

Another chimed in with a less amused tone: “Rich people huh… I actually hated when school started… She sounds fake.”

Carrie Underwood had a ‘hissy fit’ after her performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Carrie Underwood was left feeling like she had not been ‘afforded the same level of respect’ as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her performance at Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration, sources have revealed.

The American Idol star’s rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by shock technical difficulties on Monday, leading the chart-topper to perform a capella due to issues with the backing track.

Following the performance, an insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the singer, 41, was furious over the fact she wasn’t given a ‘stage or platform even’ like previous performers.

This was presumably because the event was moved inside at the last minute on Friday as extreme cold weather was predicted for the capital on Monday.

However, The insider explained that this had a large impact on the singer’s performance, revealing: ‘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.’

The source added: ‘Her anxiety was high throughout the performance, and she felt that she was not afforded the same level of respect or admiration that previous performers, such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, had received.

‘She felt as if she was ushered in and out and had a mini hissy fit afterwards.’

Carrie Underwood was left feeling lack she had not been ‘afforded the same level of respect’ as the likes of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for her 2025 Presidential Inauguration performance

The American Idol star, 41, rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by shock technical difficulties on Monday, leading the chart-topper to perform a capella

The insider continued: ‘She is used to playing at massive venues with a stage to herself. She was not given a stage or a platform even.

‘She felt like she was literally just in a room with people all around her and a microphone. This threw off the acoustics.’

DailyMail.com has reached out for comment.

In reference to Carrie’s reaction, a second source has since added: ‘Though her performance wasn’t ideal, nor was it what she wanted it to be as she wanted it to go down without a hitch, the fact that there was some awkwardness getting things going just added to the unique nature of it all.

‘She will eventually laugh about it and take it for what it was, but she is disappointed that it wasn’t more of a moment as the moment she was searching for got altered with the technical difficulties.’

They continued to add that the star was still ‘proud of herself’ that she was ‘able to save it from being a total disaster.’

They concluded: ‘Though it isn’t her day, and she just wanted to add to the day and not upstage anything, she was annoyed of how it turned out.’

Indeed, Underwood and the President, 78, were left grimacing when the backing track began playing and then skidded to a halt.

An insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the singer was furious over the fact she wasn’t given a ‘stage or platform even’ like previous performers

Beyoncé and Lady Gaga had far more room to perform when they sang at Inauguration ceremonies in 2013 and 2021, respectively

As well as the backing track issues, the source noted: ‘She felt as if she was ushered in and out and had a mini hissy fit afterwards’

The source added: ‘She felt like she was literally just in a room with people all around her and a microphone. This threw off the acoustics’

An unsettling silence descended over the crowd as the music failed to play, with a baffled Underwood clutching onto her microphone.

Amidst the silence, an increasingly irate Underwood pulled a face and decided to perform a capella.

She said: ‘If you know the words, help me out here!’ before singing the song.

Fans quickly took to social media to react, with one quipping: ‘Trump will have that technical crew fired as his actual first act as Prez.’

Others praised Underwood for pulling off the performance, saying: ‘Alternatively, Carrie Underwood had one of the most amazing moments ever. In the face of adversity, she decided to do the hymn a capella, and include everyone in the audience.

‘It was beautiful to see. It was so powerful, a cappella as everyone joined it. Simply, wonderfully perfect.’

The live performance issues came after Underwood had faced criticism for agreeing to perform at the ceremony, and said in a previous statement: ‘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.

‘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.’

The Before He Cheats vocalist is looking to kickstart ‘a big year’ for her professionally as she joins the judges’ panel for American Idol, sources told Dailymail.com of her decision to perform.

‘This is something that she is very proud of, and the spin she is putting on it is that she is doing it for America, not specifically for Trump,’ an insider said.

The insider said that Underwood wasn’t focused on the politics of the situation, but embracing the large platform.

‘She does her music for everyone, and she also knows many of her fans will be watching the inauguration,’ the source said, ‘so this was a no-brainer as she feels there is more good that will come from it besides those that will bash her for what it looks like supporting Trump.

Fans both praised the singer for stepping up, while others joked that the issue was karma for her decision to perform

After her performance, Underwood was seen shaking hands with new VP JD Vance and Trump

‘She knows that it will all pass and again she is spinning it for herself and those close to her that she is doing it for America.’

The source noted that Underwood was hoping to bring people together with her genre: ‘She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.’

In regard to her return to the Fox musical competition, the source said Underwood ‘is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.’

Underwood is among a number of artists slated to perform as Trump begins his second term.

Others slated to take the stage in the nation’s capital include the Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio and God Bless The U.S.A. singer Lee Greenwood, who will perform when Trump emerges to take his oath.

Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw and Liberty University’s Praise Choir are also set to perform.

During Trump’s 2017 inauguration, entertainers to take the stage included America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Rockettes.

NOW LISTEN: Welcome to MAGALAND is our new podcast, where White House insiders reveal whats really going on behind the scenes in the new Trump administration. Listen on Apple and Spotify now. 

How much money will Carrie Underwood make for performing at Trump’s inauguration?

The Oklahoma native will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington DC and will perform “America the Beautiful.”

Donald Trump is returning to the White House and on Monday, the 78-year-old will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, after winning the general election last November. The ceremony will take place around noon (ET) in Washington D.C. and will feature the participation of several artists, including country star Carrie Underwood.

President Trump chose the 41-year-old singer to perform one of the nation’s most important and representative songs: ‘America the Beautiful’. Carrie’s performance will take place shortly before Trump takes the presidential oath of office and she will be joined by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.

Underwood’s income from Trump inauguration?

Contrary to popular belief, artists who perform at inauguration ceremonies typically do not receive direct payment for their performances.

However, the costs of travel, lodging, and other production expenses are covered through the inaugural committee or donors. Additionally, performing at a presidential inauguration is often considered a high-profile, symbolic honor.

It’s inevitable that the Oklahoma born singers music also receives a boost in global interest across streaming services with the additional spotlight her performance at the D.C. event secures.

Which other artists will perform at Trump’s inauguration?

In addition to Carrie Underwood, the inauguration ceremony will also feature the Village People, Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood. The group will perform their famous global with hit, ‘YMCA.’ The country singer (Greenwood) will perform as Donald Trump takes the oath of office, and Christopher Macchio will sing the national anthem at the end of the event.

Whoopi Goldberg backs Carrie Underwood inauguration performance

“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg on Tuesday backed country star Carrie Underwood’s upcoming performance at President-elect Trump’s inauguration.

“If I believe I have the right to make up my mind to go perform someplace, I believe they have the same right … I have to support,” Goldberg said on “The View.”

“[Doesn’t] mean I’m particularly interested in what I won’t be watching, you know? But that’s me,” she added.

The comments about Underwood’s inauguration performance are notable coming from Goldberg, who is commonly a harsh critic of Trump.

Underwood is scheduled to perform “America the Beautiful” next Monday prior to Trump’s official swearing-in. In a statement to USA Today, the country music star said she has affection for “our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.”

“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,” she added.

For Trump’s first presidential inauguration festivities eight years ago, he had a hard time attracting major celebrities amid criticism and concerns about how he would lead following a divisive 2016 campaign.

“It’s like Joe [Scarborough] and Mika [Brzezinski]. … They felt that’s what they needed to do, and I gotta stand behind ‘em,” Goldberg said of Underwood’s performance during Tuesday’s episode, referencing a meeting that the MSNBC co-hosts had with the president-elect in November.

Carrie Underwood, Village People to perform at Trump’s inauguration events

Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events.

Underwood, who launched her career on “American Idol,” is to perform shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, according to a copy of the inaugural program provided to The Associated Press on Monday.

“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 in a statement Monday. “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.”

American disco group the Village People made a name for themselves in the late-70s for their chant-along dance-pop hits and their colorful on-stage personas. Their best known hit, “Y.M.C.A.,” is widely considered a gay anthem — and became a staple of Trump’s rallies in the last election, along with their hit “Macho Man.”

The American disco group is set to perform at one of Trump’s inaugural balls and a rally he’s holding in Washington the day before he’s sworn in.

“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 in a post on its Facebook page Monday. “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. 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.”

Other inauguration ceremony performers will include two of the president-elect’s musical favorites, country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

The pomp and spectacle that comes with the inauguration of a new president kicks off this weekend in Washington with a fireworks show at Trump’s golf club in Sterling, Virginia, a campaign-style rally in D.C., a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and glitzy dinners before the former president takes the oath to become the next president.

Trump’s second inauguration is expected to be a much different affair than the last time America got a new president. Trump, who refused to accept his 2020 loss, did not attend Democratic President Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, where there were still visible reminders of the violent Jan. 6, 2021 siege on the building by Trump’s supporters.

The committee planning Trump’s inaugural ceremonies released a schedule Monday of four days of events centered around the Jan. 20th swearing-in ceremony, which Biden is planning to attend.

“President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda,” Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, the co-chairs of the inaugural committee, said in a statement.

Witkoff is Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy and Loeffler is a former Georgia senator who is Trump’s pick to run the Small Business Administration.

“The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the American people’s decisive vote to Make America Great Again,” Witkoff and Loeffler said.

On Saturday, Trump is scheduled to attend a reception and fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. Separately, Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend a reception for the incoming Cabinet members and host a dinner.

On Sunday, the president-elect is to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and then hold a campaign-style “MAGA Victory” rally at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The Village People are scheduled to perform at the rally.

Th Republican’s Inauguration Day plans include tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue and a trio of balls.

The inaugural balls include a Commander in Chief Ball focused on military service members, a Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters that will feature a Village People performance, and the Starlight Ball, focused on high-dollar donors. Trump is scheduled to speak at all three balls.

The presidential parade after Trump is sworn in will include about 7,500 participants including first responders, veterans groups and school marching bands. First responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, will be among the groups participating.

Incoming first lady Melania Trump will join tea with the Bidens. In 2021, the Trumps did not invite the Bidens for a tea before Biden’s inauguration, instead leaving town before the next president was sworn in. In November, when Joe Biden invited President-elect Trump to the White House, Melania Trump chose to skip the visit.

Tuesday, Trump’s first full day as the 47th president, will include a National Prayer Service in the morning.

Greenwood will perform as Trump walks out to take the oath, according to Trump’s inaugural committee. Macchio is Trump’s choice to perform the National Anthem at the end of the program.

Macchio performed at the Republican National Convention in July, at Trump’s return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in October after his first rally there was marred by an assassination attempt, and during his Madison Square Garden rally that drew blowback for crude and racist jokes from some speakers.

The invocation is scheduled to be delivered by Franklin Graham, son of the late pastor Billy Graham, and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 featured performances from the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old “America’s Got Talent” singer Jackie Evancho.

Beyond the official events that Trump is scheduled to attend, there are a number of satellite and unofficial events being held in Washington surrounding the inauguration where supporters are expected to celebrate and toast the incoming president. Vance is scheduled to attend a ball hosted by the conservative group Turning Point USA. Other groups have announced plans for a Coronation Ball, the All American Ball, the Crypto Ball, and the Legacy of Freedom Ball, which is hosted by the Black Conservative Federation.

Celebrities expected to attend the Legacy of Freedom Ball on Sunday include rappers Waka Flocka and Fivio Foreign, YouTube personality Anton Daniels, former NFL player Antonio Brown, podcasters and YouTubers The Cartier Family.

Reba McEntire breaks down in tears on Happy’s Place set over ‘horrific week’ after LA fires destroy crew members’ homes

REBA McEntire has broken down in tears on the set of Happy’s Place after the cast and crew returned to the show for the first time since devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, The U.S. Sun can reveal.

Though there were initial talks of halting production of the NBC sitcom this week due to the fires which have destroyed at least 12,000 homes, the team came together to provide an “escape” to those who needed it.

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HAPPY’S PLACE cast Pictured: (l-r) Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda, Pablo Castelblanco as Steve, Rex Linn as EmmettCredit: Casey Durkin/NBC

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Reba McEntire films emotional Happy’s Place scene with Melissa PetermanCredit: NBC
According to an eyewitness who was present at the Happy’s Place filming on Tuesday night at the Universal Studios lot, those in front of, and behind, the cameras expressed they were “eternally grateful” for the support shown after such a horrific week in LA.

To add to the gratitude, Reba, 69, took a moment to personally address every audience member, as well as each cast and crew member, for attending the show.

Prior to the start of filming, the Fancy singer hopped up on a rafter and emotionally addressed the entire room.

“Thank you all for being here. Especially with this past week, you have no idea how much that means to all of us,” Reba said as tears began to swell up in her eyes.

As she tried to maintain her emotions, she continued: “This has been a horrific week and I’m so sorry from the bottom of my heart to any of you who were impacted by this tragedy we’ve experienced here in LA.

“Just know my hearts are with you and we’re very thankful you came here to escape for a little bit. We need this too.

“We discussed postponing filming this week but we wanted to put on a show for all of you and try to bring some joy during a really dark week.

“All of us are hurting but we will get through it together. Sending love to you all from the bottom of my heart and let’s use comedy to get through this together.”

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Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025Credit: AP

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The Palisades Fire burns south of the Encino Reservoir, upper left, in Los Angeles, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025Credit: AP
A source close to the crew confirmed to The U.S. Sun that many people who work on the show were directly impacted by the fires – and “at least one” staffer tragically lost their home.

“The show and everyone here are rallying together to support the people suffering most and we are all taking care of our own.

“It’s a really sad time. They’re getting a lot of support from everyone though and we’ll help them get through this,” the insider said.

Reba stars alongside Happy’s Place with longtime friend Melissa Peterman – who became a household name when the duo collabed on her 00’s hit show, Reba.

Reba McEntire reunites with Melissa Peterman for NBC’s Happy’s Place as co-stars look ageless at network presentation
The Grammy-winner’s boyfriend, Rex Linn, is also a main actor on the show along with Belissa Escobedo, Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk.

The show premiered in October 2024 to strong ratings however, NBC has not yet picked the show up for a season 2 renewal.

HEADED WEST

Oklahoma native Reba has long called Los Angeles her home after purchasing a Beverly Hills mansion back in 2003.

In addition to filming Happy’s Place in the City of Angels, she also films The Voice on the same studio lot.

After the fires broke out and devastated Los Angeles, Reba shared a message of support on her Instagram Stories for the first responds bravely hopping into action.

Resources for the Los Angeles wildfires

As wildfires continue to grow in and around Los Angeles cities, residents can reach out for help with resources and aid offered by organizations throughout the area.

To keep track of the live fire movements, residents can download the Watch Duty app or use its website.

You can register for emergency notifications through Alert LA County.

A comprehensive list of resources is available here.

Available shelters for evacuating residents include:

Calvary Community Church
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
Pan Pacific Recreational Center
Westwood Recreation Center
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Pomona Fairplex
Stoner Recreation Center

Available animal shelters include:

Agoura Animal Care Center
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center
Carson Animal Care Center
Downey Animal Care Center
Lancaster Animal Care Center
Palmdale Animal Care Center
Pomona Fairplex
Industry Hills Expo
Antelope Valley Fair

Free meals are being distributed to evacuees at restaurants and kitchens including:

World Central Kitchen
Danny Boy’s Pizza
Dudley Market in Covina
Sora Craft Kitchen
Telefèric Barcelona
Love Hour Los Angeles
Detroit Pizza Depot

Sources:

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources
Los Angeles Times
LA County Emergency

“Sending out love, prayers and thoughts to everyone in southern CA dealing with these fires. Our hearts are broken.

“So thankful for all the firefighters, first responders and TV reporters risking their own safety to protect and keep us informed,” she wrote alongside a photo of trees burning.

Her co-star, Melissa, 53, shared a similar sentiment as she posted photos of an eerie and ash-filled sunset over the Pacific Ocean as she flew into LA during the fires.

“The view flying in to LA tonight. Praying for the brave firefighters who are battling the fire and wind and the 30,000 residents who had to evacuate,” she wrote.

As unprecedented winds continue to spread throughout Southern California, many are still on a red flag warning to be alert for potential future fires.

While dozens of fires popped up this past week throughout Los Angeles County, the two largest remain actively burning – Altadena’s Eaton fire which is currently at 45% containment as of Wednesday and the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu – which sits at just 19% containment as of Wednesday.

If you or someone you know is in need of aid or looking to help, an expansive list of resources for humans and animals, as well as an information hub and community connector for LA fire victims, can be found on this guide put together by Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network.

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The Happy’s Place cast hugs each other behind-the-scenes of filming the showCredit: Instagram/nbc

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Reba McEntire cheers to her Happy’s Place cast matesCredit: Instagram/nbc

‘SNL’ was always with Trump, cast members insist in latest sketch

“Saturday Night Live” has made Donald Trump the subject of countless jokes since his first campaign.

In its first episode since Tuesday’s election, the “Saturday Night Live” cast members insisted they’ve gone from Donald Trump critics to ardent supporters.

Trump’s Nov. 5 win will land him in the White House for a second presidential term. While sketch comedy show frequently takes aim at Trump — played since 2016 by Alec Baldwin and James Austin Johnson — Saturday’s episode spoofed the actors paying fealty to the new commander in chief.

The skit started with the actors seeming disturbed.

“The results were shocking and even horrifying,” Ego Nwodim said.

Trump “tried to forcibly overturn the results of the last election,” Heidi Gardner added.

And Kenan Thompson noted that the president-elect “openly called for vengeance against his political enemies.”

In the next beat, Thompson continued later: “That is why we at ‘SNL’ would like to say to you, Donald Trump, we … have been with you all along.”

“We have never wavered in our support of you, even when others doubted you,” Bowen Yang said to laughs from the audience.

Marcello Hernández added, “Every single person on this stage voted for you.”

“Because we see ourselves in you,” Nwodim said. “We look at you and think, ‘That’s me.’”

“That’s the man I want my future children to look up to,” said Sarah Sherman.

The cast members were quick to throw each other under the bus, so to say. Colin Jost dropped the name of his co-anchor on the “Weekend Update” satirical news segment.

“Mr. Trump, your honor,” he said, “we know that you say things that are controversial sometimes, but really you’re just speaking the truth. And I hate how the lamestream media, Michael Che, tries to spin it to make you look foolish.”

Sherman described the show’s latest talents — Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline — as supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the presidential race to Trump. She called them “three disgusting new cast members.”

Johnson — whose past reflections of the former president included meandering speeches about windmills and television shows — this time appeared in a muscle suit.

“That’s right, it’s me: hot, jacked Trump,” he said. “They finally got the body right.”

Johnson was nothing but supportive, saying, “He’s going to make an incredible president and eventually king.”

Trump supporter and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, played by former cast member Dana Carvey, made an appearance by jumping up and down onstage, where he touted SpaceX rockets as “super cool.”

“Check it out, Dark MAGA — yeah,” he said. “But seriously, I run the country now.”

The cast addressed what many pundits have said was the key demographic in the 2024 presidential election: young men who feel unseen.

“We say to you, young men, there’s no need to feel down,” Yang said, starting a sing-along to the introductory lines of one of Trump’s favorite songs, the Village People’s “YMCA.”

Comedian and host Bill Burr also addressed the election, telling women, “You’re 0 and 2 against this guy,” and suggesting women running for the highest office avoid pantsuits.

Burr said the highlight of campaign season was Trump’s visit to a McDonald’s, where he watched french fries being made and served people at a drive-thru window. The comedian said it was the only time he had seen Trump truly happy, “glowing,” even, as he stuffed a few extra fries into someone’s order.

“Oh, my God,” he said. “Was that empathy?”

“Saturday Night Live” and NBC News share a parent company, NBCUniversal.

News segment “Weekend Update” addressed Trump’s win with the show’s more typically acerbic humor.

“On Tuesday, we learned that Democrats don’t actually know how to rig an election,” Jost said.

He expressed faith in the Democratic Party’s ability to learn from the loss.

“I know Democrats are going to take a long look in the mirror, learn from their mistakes, and then run Biden again in 2028,” he said.

The show’s musical guest was Mk.gee.

“SNL” airs on NBC, a division of NBCUniversal, which is also the parent company of NBC News.

Dave Chappelle issues plea to Donald Trump before inauguration on ‘SNL’: ‘Please, do better next time’

Dave Chappelle shared a powerful message during his opening monologue on the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live.”

After the comedian performed a lengthy standup set in which he joked about Sean “Diddy” Combs, among other topics, Chappelle shared a moving story about a time when the late President Jimmy Carter inspired him, leading into issuing a plea to president-elect Donald Trump before he takes office on Monday.

“I was in the Middle East years ago, after I quit my show. I was trying to find out what I wanted to do with my life,” the comedian recounted. “While I was there, Jimmy Carter flew to Israel, so everybody in the region was talking about a former American president being in the Middle East.”

Chappelle added that while Carter was in Israel, he was releasing his controversially titled 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” and decided he wanted to visit a Palestinian territory even though at the time, the Israeli government advised against it and told him it wouldn’t be able to adequately protect him.

“And man, Jimmy Carter went anyway. I will never forget the images of a former American president walking with little to no security while thousands of Palestinians were cheering him on,” Chappelle said. “And when I saw that picture, it brought tears to my eyes. I said, ‘I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.’”

The sentiment garnered cheers and applause for Chappelle, who then addressed Trump directly, saying, “the presidency is no place for petty people.”

He asked Trump to remember that whether people “voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you.”

“I mean it when I say this: Good luck. Please, do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time,” he said.

“Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine,” he added, referencing the Los Angeles wildfires which have largely destroyed the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, among other areas.

Prior to Chappelle’s speech, there were, of course, a lot of jokes.

He first walked out on stage smoking a cigarette and began his set joking about how he declined “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels’ initial offer to host the first episode after the 2024 election. “Nah, I’m good,” he recalled replying.

Chappelle then joked he was eventually convinced to come back as host when he realized he would be able use it as an opportunity to “get rid of” old jokes about Trump, so he said yes.

He also joked about how he tried to understand why it seemed like everyone else in Hollywood was invited to Combs’ “freak-off” parties prior to the embattled rapper’s arrest except for him.

Chappelle chalked it up to having “snitch energy,” adding that “I look like I’ll tell.”

GloRilla was musical guest on the episode. Timothée Chalamet will act as host and musical guest on next week’s episode of “Saturday Night Live.”

Wendy Williams Takes 7 Pills A Day, But Doesn’t Know Why

Wendy Williams said a lot of things this week in two different interviews. She spoke to her longtime friend, Don Lemon, on his podcast. She also spoke to DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God on the Breakfast Club podcast. In both, she seemed distressed that she was locked away and wasn’t allowed to see her family and loved ones. However, she also seemed concerned about her treatment.

Here is what Wendy had to say about the treatment in the facility she was admitted to in New York.

Wendy Williams Says She Is Taking Lots Of Mystery Medication

In the interviews, Wendy Williams said that she feels that the facility she lives in is like a prison. While this is not a basic long-term care facility and is instead a luxury care facility with around-the-clock medical care, she feels that she can’t do anything but just look out the window. She claims they won’t even allow her family or friends to visit her.
Wendy Williams – YouTube
Williams also said that she was not happy that they were forcing her to take medication but refused to tell her what it was for. She said they were giving her seven pills every day and refused to explain what they were. “Where I am, okay, you have to get keys to unlock the door to press the elevator to go downstairs. Second of all, these people here, everybody is like a nursemaid so to speak. They come in and give your pills and then you leave,” she said (via PEOPLE).

Wendy said that she took two pills a day for her whole life, and now there are seven of them, and she has no idea what they are doing to her. “I haven’t been to a pill person in a matter of a long time,” she said. “To the point where, ‘Excuse me doctor, can you tell me what this pill is for?’” However, she said they refused to tell her.

Wendy went on to say she was “caught up in the system” for the last three years.

Wendy Williams Wants To Move To Florida With Her Family

When Sabrina Morrissey was named Wendy Williams’s conservator, things started to get strange. Williams’s friends said that she was worth tens of millions of dollars. However, Morrissey told the courts that all Wendy;’s money was gone now. Since Sabrina was in charge of it, many people are wondering what she did with the money.
Wendy Williams greeting audience at home and in studio
Morrissey is also reportedly blocking Wendy from having contact with her friends and family. Wendy’s father and other family members live in Florida, and Wendy said in the new interviews that she wants to go there to be close to her family. However, it will have to be up to the courts that appointed Morrissey to be her conservator to decide if she can safely travel to Floida.

What are your thoughts on Wendy Williams’s current predicament? Do you think she will ever get out of this facility and back to her family? Let us know in the comments below.