News | Entertainment
26 Feb 2026 10:03
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
     26 Feb: Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to murdering his parents
     26 Feb: Jamie Foxx has branded John Davidson's outbursts at the BAFTA Awards "unacceptable"
     26 Feb: Bad Bunny hailed Willie Colón as "one of the legends who contributed" to Latin music following his death
     26 Feb: JoJo Siwa hopes her signature bows can inspire a new generation to find "their voice and confidence"
     26 Feb: Wunmi Mosaku wants to make women feel "seen and represented" with her maternity line
     26 Feb: Conan O'Brien has been "practicing backflips" in case Rose Byrne wins an Oscar
     26 Feb: Backstreet Boys "pray" they don't get injured before going on stage
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    A new role and an appointment at New Zealand Rugby as part of their high performance overhaul More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Air New Zealand's feeling the squeeze of rising costs More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty to murdering his parents 9:51

    International:
    New image taken by ALMA telescope reveals 'extraordinary' detail of Milky Way's central zone 9:27

    Business:
    Air New Zealand's feeling the squeeze of rising costs 9:27

    Entertainment:
    Jamie Foxx has branded John Davidson's outbursts at the BAFTA Awards "unacceptable" 9:21

    International:
    Iceland to hold referendum on joining EU a decade after abandoning membership talks 9:07

    Entertainment:
    Bad Bunny hailed Willie Colón as "one of the legends who contributed" to Latin music following his death 8:51

    Entertainment:
    JoJo Siwa hopes her signature bows can inspire a new generation to find "their voice and confidence" 8:21

    Business:
    It feels like the golden days for dairy farmers - as they celebrate a record-breaking year 8:17

    Rugby:
    A new role and an appointment at New Zealand Rugby as part of their high performance overhaul 8:07

    Basketball:
    Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell claims Parker Jackson-Cartwright's done the groundwork to fit in, should eligibility laws allow him to represent New Zealand 7:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd