News | Entertainment
4 Feb 2026 8:52
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
     04 Feb: Justin Trudeau has paid a glowing tribute to Catherine O'Hara
     04 Feb: Snoop Dogg wants to turn Swansea City into a "global name"
     04 Feb: Laura Dern has "never seen more shame around ageing"
     04 Feb: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has hailed Catherine O'Hara as a "legend"
     04 Feb: Rachel McAdams was initially told she was "too old" to star in Mean Girls
     04 Feb: Eugene Levy has paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime collaborator, Catherine O'Hara
     03 Feb: Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan have become good mom friends decades after feuding
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Lindsey Vonn is drawing on previous hardship as she prepares to compete at a final Winter Olympics with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A bumper start to the year for the Auckland housing market More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Justin Trudeau has paid a glowing tribute to Catherine O'Hara 8:31

    Cricket:
    Black Caps cricket coach Rob Walter has commended pace bowler Lockie Ferguson's dedication to return from a calf injury in time for the T20 World Cup 8:27

    Business:
    A bumper start to the year for the Auckland housing market 8:17

    National:
    Diabetes care in NZ: thousands of patient records reveal who’s being left behind 8:17

    Rugby:
    Lindsey Vonn is drawing on previous hardship as she prepares to compete at a final Winter Olympics with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee 8:07

    Law and Order:
    Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed a fatal assault outside a Napier nightclub, to come forward 8:07

    Education:
    Not an artefact, but an ancestor: why a German university is returning a Maori taonga 8:07

    Entertainment:
    Snoop Dogg wants to turn Swansea City into a "global name" 8:01

    Business:
    Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's defending a surge in Auckland Council consultant costs 7:57

    Law and Order:
    A serious bullying incident at an Oamaru high school has been referred to police for investigation 7:47


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd