News | Entertainment
21 Dec 2025 5:56
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Nelly has defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration, calling it's "an honour"

    The 'Dilemma' hitmaker will perform alongside Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, Village People, and Jason Aldean at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on Monday (20.01.25) as the Republican is sworn in for his second presidency


    After facing a backlash for supporting the controversial politician, the 50-year-old rapper told Geto Boys' Willie D on YouTube: "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. He is the president. He 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."

    The 'Ride Wit Me' star insists he never accepted the gig for the money and it's not about "politics".

    Nelly continued: "I'm not doing this for money. I'm doing this because it's an honour. I respect the office. It don't matter who is in office. The same way our brothers and sisters go to war to put their life on the line for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office."

    After previously trying to get Trump to stop using their hit 'Y.M.C.A.' at his rallies, Village People are taking part in "at least one event" celebrating the inauguration.

    In a statement, the disco band said: "We are announcing today that VILLAGE PEOPLE have accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump's campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump."

    Defending the decision, they added: "We know this [won't] make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     20 Dec: Bonnie Blue is set to be deported from Bali and banned from the island for a decade
     20 Dec: Sydney Sweeney has confirmed her "boobs [are] real"
     20 Dec: James L. Brooks is "sure" Jack Nicholson will work again
     20 Dec: David Letterman is relieved not to be hosting a late-night talk show anymore
     20 Dec: Taylor Swift broke down in tears about the tragedies that impacted her Eras Tour
     20 Dec: King Charles will address the nation about his "recovery journey" on Friday (12.12.25) night
     20 Dec: Lewis Capaldi has dismissed speculation of a feud with Taylor Swift, branding the rumours "hogwash"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    A steep challenge juggling a busy calendar for incoming Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle has shed light on the challenge sports administrators face between balancing transparency and confidentiality More...



     Today's News

    Living & Travel:
    One lucky Whangarei lotto player's just become a multi-millionaire five days shy of Christmas 21:56

    Entertainment:
    Bonnie Blue is set to be deported from Bali and banned from the island for a decade 21:50

    Entertainment:
    Sydney Sweeney has confirmed her "boobs [are] real" 21:20

    Christchurch:
    Four people have been injured, one seriously, following a three-vehicle crash in Dunsandel in Canterbury 21:16

    International:
    Jeffrey Epstein documents partially published by US Department of Justice — as it happened 21:06

    Skiing:
    Valentino Guseli wins snowboard halfpipe bronze at Copper Mountain World Cup 21:06

    Entertainment:
    James L. Brooks is "sure" Jack Nicholson will work again 20:50

    Law and Order:
    A first look through the Epstein files reveals celebrity snaps, police notes and a lot of Bill Clinton 20:26

    Entertainment:
    David Letterman is relieved not to be hosting a late-night talk show anymore 20:20

    International:
    Epstein files contain new photo of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 20:16


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd