Nelly to perform at Trump's inauguration and Internet is displeased with rapper's presence in lineup

WASHINGTON, DC: Hip-hop artist Nelly is scheduled to perform at one of President-elect Donald Trump's three official inaugural balls on Monday, January 20, sources familiar with inauguration planning revealed to CBS News.

According to campaign reporter Taurean Small, the 'Hot in Herre' rapper will be the main act at Trump's Liberty Inaugural Ball, which will also feature the disco group The Village People and country music icon Jason Aldean.

"NEW from @finnygo & me: rapper Nelly is set to perform at Trump's Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday night according to sources familiar with Inauguration planning. @CBSNews @CBSPolitics," Small posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Nelly is among artists set to perform on Donald Trump's Inauguration Day

Besides Nelly, other artists who are set to perform at Donald Trump's second inauguration include Carrie Underwood, who will sing 'America the Beautiful' right before his swearing-in ceremony, Rascal Flatts, Gavin DeGraw, Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus, as per New York Daily News.

The Village People, whose hit song 'YMCA' frequently rang through Trump rallies, are also scheduled to perform during the inauguration festivities.

Following his appearance in the nation's capital, Nelly, who welcomed his first child with wife Ashanti, son Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024, will begin his international Where the Party At Tour in March with performances in Australia and New Zealand before traveling to Canada and several European nations.

Following a string of festival appearances, Nelly will be joined by special guests Ja Rule, Eve, and Jermaine Dupri for the beginning of his US tour in late July.

Country artist Parker McCollum will perform at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball, where Trump is expected to speak as well. The ball geared toward military service members will also feature a performance by the country music group Rascal Flatts, as per The Blast.

According to reports, Trump's largest donors will attend the third inaugural ball, the Starlight Ball, where singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw will play. The president-elect is expected to speak at this event. 

"The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee is proud to announce that some of our nation's most iconic [musicians] will be participating in the inaugural celebrations," said an inaugural statement.

Internet trolls Nelly over reports of him performing at Donald Trump's Liberty Inaugural Ball

Netizens were quick to mock Nelly after it was revealed that he would be performing at one of the events on the day of Donald Trump's inauguration. 

One said in part, "Nelly recently shouted 'MAGA!' in the middle of his performance at the AMA Awards. Trump has the streets supporting him now." "Nelly hasn't been relevant or anywhere near the 'streets' for like 30 years," another remarked. 

"Nelly is performing for Trump: fulfilling the prophecy from Country Grammar: 'DONALD TRUMP LET ME IN,'" a person quipped. One more wrote, "Now Nelly? The Trump Inaugural Ball? Y’all just accepting ANY bookings atp lol"

"Oh Nelly— will perform at Trumps inauguration? 2025 went from worse to worser," an individual wrote, attaching a report about Nelly's scheduled performance. 

Another person simply wrote, "Poor judgment," while one jibed, "His manager does not like him." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.