News | Entertainment
21 Nov 2025 14:10
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
     21 Nov: Sophia Bush took home around $3,000 per episode for One Tree Hill
     21 Nov: Nikki Reed has taken aim at the "crazy" wellness industry for "capitalizing on people's hope"
     21 Nov: Hailey Bieber tries to style her son in "cute" but "not so overstated" outfits
     21 Nov: The five best fictional bands in film history
     21 Nov: King Charles is celebrating his 77th birthday with a visit to Wales
     21 Nov: Meghan Trainor has hit back at people who have "attacked" her over her recent weight loss
     21 Nov: Will Ferrell is taking a break from filming his Netflix golf comedy after he suffered an off-set injury
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Warriors star and former All Black Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is looking less likely to join rugby's R360 competition More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Meat exports have reached a record high, despite Donald Trump's recently-scrapped tariffs More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    Two schools, an early childhood centre, and a medical centre are in lockdown in the Bay of Plenty town of Katikati as armed police hunt for a person of interest 14:07

    Entertainment:
    Sophia Bush took home around $3,000 per episode for One Tree Hill 13:55

    Environment:
    Christchurch's wave of heat is knocking on the door of the city's record high for November 13:47

    Business:
    Meat exports have reached a record high, despite Donald Trump's recently-scrapped tariffs 13:27

    Entertainment:
    Nikki Reed has taken aim at the "crazy" wellness industry for "capitalizing on people's hope" 13:25

    International:
    Matildas star Ellie Carpenter scores stunner in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Barcelona 13:07

    Entertainment:
    Hailey Bieber tries to style her son in "cute" but "not so overstated" outfits 12:55

    Entertainment:
    The five best fictional bands in film history 12:37

    Motoring:
    Police investigating a double fatality crash on State Highway One north of Timaru yesterday, want the public's help 12:27

    National:
    Economic forecasts point to a Democrat win in the 2026 US midterm elections 12:27


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd