Nelly defends decision to perform at Trump’s inauguration ball amid backlash: ‘It’s an honor for me’
WASHINGTON, DC: Hip-hop artist Nelly has defended his decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ball on Monday, January 20, after facing a backlash. He said it is "an honor" for him to perform for the POTUS.
The 'Ride Wit Me' singer is set to perform alongside country singer Jason Aldean and Village People on Monday at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of the three official balls marking Trump’s return to office, according to Guardian.
Nelly defends decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ball
During a livestream with fellow rapper Willie D on Sunday, January 19, Nelly said he was "not political" or "trying to tell anybody who they should vote for" by agreeing to perform at a Trump event, per the outlet.
Nelly said, "This is not me telling you, 'Yo, you should vote for this candidate'. I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and you provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it."
He added, "But what I will say is that I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, is over. [Trump] won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world … It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office."
The 'Over and Over' singer also said that those criticizing him did not understand that he was performing out of respect for the presidency.
He said, "If President Biden would’ve asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice-President Kamala Harris would’ve won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed."
Nelly added, "I didn’t know that you were riding with me because you thought I would ride for who you voted for. I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices. If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument."
When asked if he was a Trump supporter, Nelly answered, "I support the president of the United States regardless of who is in office. Regardless, I respect the office."
Nelly earlier said he liked Donald Trump but 'not as my president'
In May 2017, Nelly told Page Six, "You know the thing about Donald Trump is that I liked Donald Trump, I did, I just don’t like Donald Trump as my president."
The rapper said at the time that he felt the first family should set an example for fellow Americans. He said, "He doesn’t surprise me as a person, he surprises me as a president because you don’t expect certain things, certain attitudes."
He added, "You know, I’m more or less mad at him because I can’t stay at his hotels now … I’ve been staying there for 15 years, and now you pull this?"
He ended the conversation with the outlet with one advice for Trump, "Get it together, homie!"
Celebrities performing at Donald Trump's inauguration
President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday is set to feature some star-studded attendees. Trump will take the oath of office indoors in a rare adjustment due to a weather forecast. His office confirmed in a statement, “Due to the extreme cold, the 60th inaugural ceremonies have been moved indoors."
Notably, Carrie Underwood is set to perform 'America the Beautiful' at the inauguration and will be accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the US Naval Academy Glee Club.
Similarly, Village People would perform its hit 'YMCA' for "at least one" inauguration event with Trump, Victor Willis of the group confirmed.
Moreover, Lee Greenwood will also perform on Inauguration Day. The artist told Fox News that he would perform his famed 'God Bless the USA' before Trump takes his oath of office.
Classical singer Christopher Macchio will sing the National Anthem and 'O America', his manager confirmed to The Washington Post.
