Soap Star's Political Protest Targets Country Music Icon
When Carrie Underwood appeared alongside fellow American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on Jimmy Kimmel Live last Thursday to promote the show's 24th season, one prominent television personality made it clear she would not be watching. Nancy Lee Grahn, the veteran actress known for her role on General Hospital, publicly announced her boycott of the episode specifically because of Underwood's presence.
Social Media Declaration Sparks Controversy
The 69-year-old actress, who boasts over 600,000 social media followers, took to Threads to declare: 'See ya next week @jimmykimmel. I refuse to even look at @carrieunderwood.' When her comments began generating media attention, Grahn clarified her position on Saturday, insisting she harbors no ill will toward the talk show host himself.
'I LOVE Jimmy Kimmel & watch him every night. I would never "slam" him,' she explained. 'I simply said I would watch him next week because I didn't want to look at Carrie Underwood (for obvious reasons) who was his guest that night.'
The 'Obvious Reason' Behind the Boycott
The root of Grahn's objection traces back to January 2025, when Underwood performed 'America the Beautiful' a cappella during President Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony at his inauguration. The 42-year-old singer, who won the fourth season of American Idol, described the experience as an honor at the time.
'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 told People magazine following the performance. The eight-time Grammy winner has historically attempted to maintain distance from political controversies, telling The Guardian in 2019: 'I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins.'
Grahn's History of Political Activism
Nancy Lee Grahn is no stranger to blending entertainment with political advocacy. The outspoken Democrat made headlines at last year's Daytime Emmy Awards when she carried a silver clutch emblazoned with the phrase 'Democracy Dies In Silence.' During her acceptance speech, the three-time Daytime Emmy winner delivered a passionate call to action.
'Our democracy is worth fighting for,' she declared. 'And whether you have a platform or not, now is the time guys. Now is the time to show up, stand up, speak up, stand up! Stand up! Stand up! Stand up and vote for it every chance you get.'
This was not her first politically-charged appearance at awards ceremonies. In 2022, Grahn attended the Emmys wearing a 'Bans Off Our Bodies' purse, 'Choice' earrings, and a 'Reproductive Freedom' necklace, making her stance on reproductive rights unmistakably clear.
Escalating Political Frustration
Grahn's boycott of Underwood appears to be part of broader political frustrations she expressed recently on Facebook. The Illinois native posted an emotional statement revealing the depth of her discontent with current political figures and movements.
'I am so angry, sad, frustrated, weary and filled with loathing for Trump, [JD] Vance, [Stephen] Miller, [Kristi] Noem, [Gregory] Bovino, [Pam] Bondi, [Mike] Johnson, his billionaires, his KKKabinet, Fox "News," the Republican party and their sanctioned ICE army of terrorists and murderers that my teeth hurt,' she wrote. 'That is all I can come up with right now.'
Longstanding Advocacy Career
The actress has been involved in political activism for decades, having supported organizations like Daytime for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and Daytime for Choice as far back as 1988. An LGBTQIA activist, Grahn has portrayed the headstrong lawyer Alexis Davis on General Hospital since 1996, with previous roles on One Life to Live and Santa Barbara.
Her commitment to political discourse extends to upcoming public engagements. On February 21, Grahn will host a $190 private lunch for fans at Maggiano's in Boston where she plans to 'exercise our 1st Amendment Rights and talk about whatever the f*** we wanna talk about.' On a personal note, she will celebrate her singer daughter Kate Grahn's 28th birthday on February 24.
This incident highlights the continuing intersection of entertainment and politics in American public life, where artistic performances become entangled with political symbolism, and public figures face scrutiny for their associations with political events and figures.
