Carrie Underwood and Nelly’s streaming numbers dip after performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration

nme.com:

Carrie Underwood and Nelly‘s streaming numbers slumped following their performances at Donald Trump‘s inauguration.Underwood’s rendition of ‘America The Beautiful’ at the US President’s swearing-in ceremony went viral after she endured technical issues during her performance, with the backing track unable to play and Underwood having to sing a capella.Despite that, her streaming numbers actually fell by 6 per cent on Inauguration Day (January 20).Underwood’s music was streamed 1.46million times on the day, down from 1.55million the previous week, according to Luminate, via Billboard.Both artists did see a small increase in digital download sales, although neither managed to top the 1,000 downloads mark that day.Nelly, who performed at President Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball and responded to backlash, calling it “an honour” to perform at the ceremony, also saw a decline in his listenership.

His songs were streamed 1.54million times on the day of his inauguration, down from 1.63 million a week earlier.Following Underwood’s performance, fellow country music singer Jason Aldean came to her defence.

He told Fox And Friends: “First of all, it’s a hard song to do anyway. When you’re supposed to be singing to a track and that’s what gives you pitch reference for the song and to not have that and for her to just kinda say, ‘All right, listen, we’ll go.’ That’s a big move and that’s a pro move on her part, so I thought it was great.”Underwood has kept her political views quiet throughout her career but was still subjected to criticism online for associating with Trump.