At a Glance
- Nancy Lee Grahn says she will skip Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Carrie Underwood appears.
- Underwood performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
- The actress defended her choice, saying she loves Kimmel but does not want to watch Underwood.
- Why it matters: The move sparked a debate about celebrity politics and media loyalty.
Nancy Lee Grahn, a long-time General Hospital star, announced on social media that she would not tune into Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the night Carrie Underwood appeared as a guest. The announcement came after Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan joined Kimmel on Jan. 23 2026 to discuss season 24 of American Idol.
The Controversial Decision
Grahn, 69, posted on Threads, a platform she often uses to voice political opinions, stating, “I refuse to even look at @carrieunderwood.” She added, “See ya next week @jimmykimmel.” The actress clarified that her decision was not a criticism of Kimmel.
- “Truth matters,” Grahn wrote, “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.”
- “Come on, guys, I’m not worth the clickbait.”
Underwood’s Political Footprint
Underwood, 42, has kept her political views private for most of her career. However, her appearance at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20 2025-singing America the Beautiful for President Donald Trump’s inauguration-drawn attention to her stance.
Underwood told News Of Los Angeles at the time:
- “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.”
In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she elaborated on her approach to politics:
- “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.”
- “Immediately, people said, ‘Oh, you have a song about gun control!’ It was more about the lives that were changed by something terrible happening.”
- “And it does kind of bug me when people take a song, or take something I said, and try to pigeonhole or force me to pick a side or something. It’s a discussion – a long discussion.”
Underwood’s 2018 song “The Bullet” also sparked speculation about her political leanings, but she has repeatedly stated that her music reflects personal experiences rather than a single viewpoint.
Public Reactions
Grahn’s post quickly spread across social media, eliciting a range of responses.
- Comedian Kathy Griffin, 65, joined the conversation, writing, “Yeah, no love for maga Carrie. It’s not just about political disagreements.”
- Another user added, “Boycott Underwood, wherever & whenever. Sorry Jimmy.”
- The comments section showed a split between fans of Kimmel and those who supported Underwood’s decision to perform at the inauguration.
Grahn’s Clarification
After the backlash, Grahn reiterated that her stance was not an attack on Kimmel. She emphasized her loyalty to the host and clarified that her refusal was solely to avoid watching Underwood.
- “I LOVE Jimmy Kimmel & watch him every night,” she said again.
- She urged viewers to focus on the content rather than the political implications of a guest.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 20 2025 | Underwood performs America the Beautiful at Trump’s inauguration. |
| Jan. 23 2026 | Underwood, Richie and Bryan appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss American Idol season 24. |
| Jan. 23 2026 (later that night) | Grahn posts on Threads refusing to watch the show. |
| Jan. 23 2026 (following day) | Public and media reactions surface; Grahn clarifies her position. |
Key Takeaways
- Nancy Lee Grahn’s refusal to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Carrie Underwood highlights the intersection of celebrity, politics, and media consumption.
- Underwood’s participation in a presidential inauguration has become a focal point for discussions about artists’ political involvement.
- The public’s reaction underscores the polarized environment surrounding political figures in entertainment.
- Grahn’s clarification emphasizes that her loyalty to Kimmel remains unchanged, while her decision was driven by personal discomfort with Underwood’s appearance.
These events illustrate how a single social media post can spark widespread debate about the role of politics in entertainment and the responsibilities of public figures.
