When American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live last Thursday to chat about Season 24, not everyone was tuning in.
General Hospital actress Nancy Lee Grahn, known for her bold opinions and 600,000+ social media followers, made it clear she had no interest in watching the episode.
On Threads, she wrote, “See ya next week @jimmykimmel. I refuse to even look at @carrieunderwood.”
Clarifying the Boycott
The outspoken 69-year-old Democrat soon made sure the press and fans understood her stance wasn’t about Kimmel himself. On Saturday, Grahn explained:
“I LOVE Jimmy Kimmel & watch him every night. I would never ‘slam’ him.
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”
Grahn’s hesitancy stems from Underwood’s performance of “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
At the event, Underwood told People she was “honored to be a small part” of the ceremony and wanted to contribute to “the spirit of unity.”
Despite the political context, Underwood has tried to keep her public profile largely nonpartisan.
She told The Guardian in 2019:
“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.”
Grahn’s Long History of Political Statements
Grahn has never shied away from using her platform.
Last year at the Daytime Emmy Awards, she carried a silver clutch reading “Democracy Dies In Silence”, reminding fans of the importance of civic engagement.
“Along with this job comes a literal soap box.
Our democracy is worth fighting for,” Grahn said during her acceptance speech.
“And whether you have a platform or not, now is the time guys.
Now is the time to show up, stand up, speak up… and vote for it every chance you get.”
She’s made similar statements before, like her 2022 Emmy ensemble featuring a “Bans Off Our Bodies” purse, “Choice” earrings, and “Reproductive Freedom” necklace.
On Facebook recently, she didn’t mince words about her frustrations with Trump and several Republican figures:
“I am so angry, sad, frustrated, weary and filled with loathing… that my teeth hurt.
That is all I can come up with right now.”
Activism and Advocacy
Grahn’s political involvement spans decades.
She supported causes like Daytime for Gore/Lieberman in 2000 and Daytime for Choice in 1988.
A longtime LGBTQIA advocate, she has used her celebrity for activism while maintaining a thriving acting career.
She’s played the feisty lawyer Alexis Davis on General Hospital since 1996 and previously appeared on One Life to Live and Santa Barbara.
Upcoming Fan Event
Fans will get a chance to see Grahn in a more personal setting on February 21, when she hosts a $190 private lunch at Maggiano’s in Boston.
Attendees can meet her, take photos, and hear her speak freely about topics she cares about.
“We will be exercising our 1st Amendment Rights and talking about whatever the f** we wanna talk about,”* Grahn promised.
Family Moments
Off-screen, Grahn is gearing up to celebrate her daughter Kate Grahn’s 28th birthday on February 24, showing that amidst political statements and acting milestones, family remains a priority.
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