The news of Carrie Underwood‘s participation in the inaugural event was announced last week and was met with mixed reactions from fans. The announcement came as a shock since the American Idol champ has stayed away from political appearances and statements over the course of her career.

“I feel like more people try to pin me places politically,” she said at the time. “I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins. It’s crazy. Everybody tries to sum everything up and put a bow on it, like it’s black and white. And it’s not like that.”

Shortly after it was announced that she was singing at Trump’s inauguration, Underwood released a statement saying that her participation was done in the “spirit of unity.”

“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. “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.”