News | Entertainment
8 Feb 2026 14:23
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
     07 Feb: Khloe Kardashian has "absolutely no fear about death"
     07 Feb: Dove Cameron was "celibate" before meeting her fiance
     07 Feb: Chris Pratt treats every day like Valentine's Day
     07 Feb: Jesse Eisenberg is a "daily patron" of the New York Public Library
     07 Feb: Jennifer Garner once bit a portion of a stunt performer's ear off
     07 Feb: Nick Jonas' daughter needed to be resuscitated shortly after she was born
     07 Feb: Catherine, Princess of Wales has shared a heartfelt message to commemorate World Cancer Day (04.02.26)
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    New Zealand's Paul Coll has into the last eight at squash's Windy City Open in Chicago More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Many businesses across the country could have unknowingly have a gender pay gap More...



     Today's News

    Business:
    Many businesses across the country could have unknowingly have a gender pay gap 14:17

    General:
    Winter Olympics 2026 quick guide: What to watch on Day 2, Sunday, February 8 14:17

    International:
    Savannah Guthrie indicates she will pay ransom for return of her mother in video message to apparent kidnappers 14:07

    Environment:
    State Highway Two through the Waioweka Gorge, which connects Gisborne and the Eastern Bay of Plenty, re-opens tomorrow under special conditions 14:07

    Rugby:
    New Zealand's Paul Coll has into the last eight at squash's Windy City Open in Chicago 13:47

    Health & Safety:
    Water warnings along the capital's South Coast are expected to remain for another week, as officials wait for more test results 13:47

    Golf:
    Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is in prime position to pull off a third victory at the PGA Tour's latest stop in Phoenix 13:37

    Basketball:
    A double-dose of positive news for the Breakers as they fight to keep their dim NBL basketball playoff hopes alight 12:27

    Skiing:
    Valentino Guseli missed out on a bonus 2026 Winter Olympics medal, but won something even more important 12:07

    Golf:
    New Zealand golfers will be in contention heading into the final round at the big tournaments in Europe and the United States 11:57


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd