A string of musicians have found themselves at the center of backlash after agreeing to perform at President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
Rapper Nellie, who will perform at the Liberty Ball on Monday, defended his decision to attend the festivities.
“I’m not doing this for the money. I’m doing it because it’s an honor. I respect this office,” the St. Louis native said during a live conversation with rapper Willie D. said.
Trump inauguration performer Lee Greenwood defends Carrie Underwood against criticism
Rapper Nellie has defended her decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inaugural ball on Monday. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images/Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“It doesn’t matter who is in power. Just like our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, must go to war and must risk their lives for no one [is] In office,” the rapper, who was born on a military base, continued.
“So if they risk their lives for anyone [is] I can perform for absolutely anyone in the office [is] In the office.
Nelly believes his decision to perform has nothing to do with politics. (Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
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A source close to the artist told Fox News Digital that in addition to his father, Nelly’s uncles and aunts “all served in the military, fighting for our democracy and the right of all of us to vote. He personally stays away from politics, Not campaigning for anyone either, but this performance is for the top job,” reiterating that the 50-year-old considers the performance “an honour”.
During his conversation with Willie D., the “Hot in Herre” singer also addressed his critics directly, balking at the suggestion that Trump is a white supremacist. “I’ll let them tell me where he is a white supremacist,” Nelly countered.
A source close to the rapper told Fox News Digital that he will perform at the Liberty Ball. (McCotland/AFP via Getty Images)
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“To me, politics is over. He won! He’s the president,” the rapper said earlier in the conversation. “I would say he is the commander-in-chief of the best country in the world.”
“I would be honored to perform for the President of the United States, no matter who is in office. If President Biden asks me to perform, I will perform. If Vice President Kamala Harris wins and asks me to perform, I will perform,” he said.
Donald Trump invited several A-list musicians to perform at his inauguration. (Evan Vucci/AP)
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Nellie wasn’t the only musician to face backlash during her opening performance. Country artist Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration, issuing a statement ahead of her speech saying she chose to perform out of love for her country.
“I love our country and was honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement. “We must all act in solidarity as we spirit and looking forward to the future, I am honored to answer this call.”
Other artists expected to perform for Trump include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lee Greenwood, who told Fox News Digital Durwood defends against haters. “For those who have something negative to say, I suggest you don’t say it. Don’t attack a friend of mine who is here for the same reason I was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States,” he said.
