News | Entertainment
6 Feb 2026 18:50
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
     06 Feb: Jessie Buckley thinks she might've been more successful if she had a bigger social media following
     06 Feb: Jelly Roll believes simplicity is the key to his marriage
     06 Feb: Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom weren't "bringing out the best" in each other during their marriage
     06 Feb: Kim Kardashian and Sir Lewis Hamilton have been on "a few dates recently"
     06 Feb: Rachel McAdams wants Wuthering Heights star Margot Robbie to give her tips on how to act in the rain
     06 Feb: Sydney Sweeney is reportedly looking to move into the beauty space
     06 Feb: Ant McPartlin has reportedly joined one of Britain's most exclusive celebrity neighbourhoods
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has suffered what appears to be a shoulder injury in the Highlanders' 41-31 Super Rugby preseason win over Moana Pasifika in Queenstown More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A property manager says the numbers of students looking for flats is lower than previous years More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    A person's died after a water related incident in Thames just before midday 18:37

    Entertainment:
    Jessie Buckley thinks she might've been more successful if she had a bigger social media following 18:31

    Golf:
    Inside Ryan Wesley Routh's plan to kill Donald Trump and 'up-end American democracy' 18:17

    Motoring:
    Two-time Olympic medallist Ally Wollaston has clinched the Elite Road National Championship title in Cambridge 18:07

    Entertainment:
    Jelly Roll believes simplicity is the key to his marriage 18:01

    Entertainment:
    Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom weren't "bringing out the best" in each other during their marriage 17:31

    Soccer:
    All Whites defender Tim Payne is aware critical eyes are on him and his play for the Wellington Phoenix 17:27

    Cricket:
    Black Caps pace-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has pointed to a potential caveat over-investing in the short format game 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Kim Kardashian and Sir Lewis Hamilton have been on "a few dates recently" 17:01

    Rugby:
    All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has suffered what appears to be a shoulder injury in the Highlanders' 41-31 Super Rugby preseason win over Moana Pasifika in Queenstown 16:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd