News | Entertainment
23 Jan 2025 22:50
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."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     23 Jan: Jeremy Renner has used a hyperbaric chamber while recovering from his near-fatal snowplough accident
     23 Jan: Tracy Morgan felt like he was being "culturally isolated" after he joined 'Saturday Night Live'
     23 Jan: Carrie Underwood sang an a-cappella version of 'America the Beautiful' at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration
     23 Jan: Kevin Costner paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston on his 70th birthday on Saturday (18.01.25)
     23 Jan: Brooke Shields is "ready" for her own TV show
     23 Jan: Teetotal actor Tom Holland has launched his own non-alcoholic beer
     23 Jan: Chrissy Teigen has called for a social media curfew
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge feels changes to New Zealand Rugby's eligibility rules could have dire consequences for the game More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A Former New Zealand Chief Science Advisor says the science sector was overdue for a major rework More...



     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    A pedestrian has been seriously injured after a crash involving a vehicle on State Highway 30 in Whakatane 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Jeremy Renner has used a hyperbaric chamber while recovering from his near-fatal snowplough accident 21:30

    Business:
    A Former New Zealand Chief Science Advisor says the science sector was overdue for a major rework 21:17

    Environment:
    Climate change and China will define US relations with Pacific Islands under Donald Trump, security experts say 21:07

    Entertainment:
    Tracy Morgan felt like he was being "culturally isolated" after he joined 'Saturday Night Live' 21:00

    Entertainment:
    Carrie Underwood sang an a-cappella version of 'America the Beautiful' at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration 20:30

    Entertainment:
    Kevin Costner paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston on his 70th birthday on Saturday (18.01.25) 20:00

    Entertainment:
    Brooke Shields is "ready" for her own TV show 19:30

    International:
    Key moments from Donald Trump's return: Angry Instagram users and a warning to workers 19:17

    Entertainment:
    Teetotal actor Tom Holland has launched his own non-alcoholic beer 19:00


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd