Rapper Nelly defends his decision to perform at Donald Trump's inaugural ball. Both he and other artists scheduled to play for the 47th president of the United States have faced criticism for this in recent days. Despite this, the musician calls the opportunity to perform before the head of state an “honor”.
Nelly is one of the artists who will perform during the three inaugural balls of the 47th US president scheduled for Monday. The musician will sing for Donald Trump during the Liberty Inaugural Ball. In addition to the rapper, guests will also be able to hear country singer Jason Aldean and the band Village People, known for the hit “YMCA”. All of them, like Nelly, have faced negative reaction from fans in recent days.
Some of the rapper's critics draw attention on social media to the fact that Nelly's performance for Trump falls on Martin Luther King Day and is reminiscent of racist remarks made by the newly sworn-in president during the campaign. However, Nelly defends the decision to perform the concert and argues that it has no political dimension – when appearing in front of a specific person, “he does not say: 'Hey, you should vote for this candidate'.”
– This is not politics. Politics is over for me. Trump won, he is president. He is the head of what I would like to call the best country in the world – said Nelly during a conversation with rapper Willie D shared on social media. – It is an honor for me to perform in front of President of the United Statesregardless of who is in office – added the author of the hit “Hot In Herre”.
Nelly Katja Ogrin/EMPICS Entertainment/PA/PAP
Continuing the thread, the musician emphasized that he would also perform if asked to do so Joe Biden or if this Kamala Harris she won the election and asked him to perform. When asked by Willie D whether he supports Trump, Nelly said that he supports the president of the United States.” As “The Guardian” notes, in one of the archived conversations, the rapper admitted that while he “had no problem” with Donald Trump before he took over office, he “didn't like him as his president” during his first term.
Village People is also speaking out
Members of the Village People band, who are also scheduled to perform at Monday's Liberty Inaugural Ball, have also expressed criticism in recent days. “We know this won't make some of you happy, but we believe that music should be performed regardless of politics,” the musicians wrote on social media. The statement went on to express hope that their hit “YMCA” would “help unite the country after a tumultuous and divided campaign in which their preferred candidate lost.”
They also stated that if their “preferred candidate”, i.e. Kamala Harris, had won, they would most likely “have never been asked to perform”. Donald Trump's song “YMCA” accompanied him during numerous events during the campaign and beyond.
Who else will sing for Trump
In addition to Nelly and the Village People, country star Jason Aldean is also expected to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball prepared for Donald Trump's supporters. At the other two events, i.e. the Commander-in-Chief Ball dedicated to the army and the Starlight Ball dedicated to donors, you will also be able to hear from Gavin DeGraw and Billy Ray Cyrus.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Lee Greenwood sang for the audience, and the anthem was performed by opera singer Christopher Macchio. After the swearing in, Carrie Underwood could also be heard.
Christopher Macchio at the inauguration of Donald TrumpPAP/EPA/SAUL LOEB / POOL
Main photo source: Katja Ogrin/EMPICS Entertainment/PA/PAP