News | Entertainment
2 Jan 2026 7:31
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."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     01 Jan: If you get lost in the bush, can you really survive by drinking your own pee?
     31 Dec: Miley Cyrus pitches her songwriting skills to legendary filmmakers and Hollywood stars at events to get involved in movies
     31 Dec: Jamie Lee Curtis is glad she narrowly dodged fame as a child thanks to her late mom Janet Leigh
     31 Dec: Olivia Culpo is saving all her clothes for her daughter
     31 Dec: Billie Lourd has paid tribute to her grandmother Debbie Reynolds on the ninth anniversary of her death
     31 Dec: Toni Collette has praised Kate Winslet for bringing an "incredible sense of trust and freedom" to the set of Goodbye June
     31 Dec: Ashley Park dec lares crocheting as her personal Roman Empire
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Wellington Blaze coach Jonny Bassett-Graham is certain Georgia Plimmer can maintain her great form...even without opening partner Amelia Kerr More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Personal health platform Manage My Health says it's working to notify tens of thousands of people affected by a major cyber security incident More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    Customs had a huge year in 2025, stopping hundreds of kilograms of drugs at our borders 7:16

    Environment:
    What we know about the deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort 7:06

    Accident and Emergency:
    Three people have been injured - one critically - in a two-car crash on State Highway 3 south of Turakina - near Bulls 7:06

    Business:
    Personal health platform Manage My Health says it's working to notify tens of thousands of people affected by a major cyber security incident 6:06

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC have slumped to their second loss of the men's A-League season - and once again it's at the hands of the lowly Newcastle Jets 21:57

    Motoring:
    State Highway 57 near Levin in the Horowhenua District is closed after a two vehicle crash 21:17

    International:
    Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC mayor with midnight subway oath 19:57

    International:
    Scepticism as Russia claims video proves Ukrainian drone attack on Putin residence 19:07

    Cricket:
    The Wellington Blaze aren't fearful about life without star all-rounder Melie Kerr 18:57

    Cricket:
    Wellington Blaze coach Jonny Bassett-Graham is certain Georgia Plimmer can maintain her great form...even without opening partner Amelia Kerr 18:37


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd