News | Entertainment
16 Dec 2025 18:31
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."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     16 Dec: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has written a letter to her father Thomas Markle as he recovers after having his leg amputated
     16 Dec: Bonnie Blue has broken her silence following her arrest in Bali
     16 Dec: Rob Reiner's classic films and the lines that have endured
     16 Dec: Pamela Anderson says her garden is a "neutral zone" where she and her mother "don't argue"
     16 Dec: Josh Hutcherson didn't experience "rejection" in Hollywood until after The Hunger Games
     16 Dec: Smokey Robinson has claimed a woman accusing him of sexual assault stole "thousands of dollars" worth of valuables from him
     16 Dec: Sharon Osbourne will "never, ever" remarry following Ozzy Osbourne's death
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Could Warren Gatland be poised to return to international rugby coaching? More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The Finance Minister's ruling out further cuts to new borrowing next year to get the Government books back to black More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has written a letter to her father Thomas Markle as he recovers after having his leg amputated 18:20

    Law and Order:
    A woman accused of interfering with human remains after a dead baby was found in an Auckland wheelie bin in July - can now be named as Chanelle Smith 18:07

    Business:
    The Finance Minister's ruling out further cuts to new borrowing next year to get the Government books back to black 17:57

    Entertainment:
    Bonnie Blue has broken her silence following her arrest in Bali 17:50

    Entertainment:
    Rob Reiner's classic films and the lines that have endured 17:37

    Business:
    Cocaine use continues to soar in New Zealand 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Pamela Anderson says her garden is a "neutral zone" where she and her mother "don't argue" 17:20

    Environment:
    Rain's been a welcome addition for firefighters battling a blaze at South Taranaki's Waiinu Beach 16:57

    Entertainment:
    Josh Hutcherson didn't experience "rejection" in Hollywood until after The Hunger Games 16:50

    Entertainment:
    Smokey Robinson has claimed a woman accusing him of sexual assault stole "thousands of dollars" worth of valuables from him 16:20


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd