Nelly has defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, calling it’s “an honor”.
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. The inauguration ceremony is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to the National Mall, making it one of the largest political gatherings of the year.
“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 50-year-old rapper told Geto Boys’ Willie D on YouTube. The interview has garnered over 1 million views since its release, becoming one of the most-watched political interviews of the month.
The ‘Ride Wit Me’ star insists he never accepted the gig for the money and it’s not about “politics”. Industry experts estimate that performers at presidential inaugurations typically receive substantial appearance fees, though specific amounts are rarely disclosed to the public.
“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because it’s an honor. 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,” Nelly continued. His statement reflects a longstanding tradition of artists performing at presidential inaugurations regardless of party affiliation.
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. The group’s changing stance has attracted significant attention from both supporters and critics across the entertainment industry.
“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,” the disco band said in a statement. The group’s hit ‘Y.M.C.A.‘ has been a staple at political rallies for decades, with its universal appeal transcending political boundaries.
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.” The iconic disco hit has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most recognizable songs in popular music history.
The inauguration lineup represents a significant shift in entertainment programming, featuring artists from diverse musical backgrounds including hip-hop, country, and classic disco. This eclectic mix marks a departure from traditional inaugural celebrations, which historically focused on classical and patriotic performances.
Security measures for the event have been significantly enhanced, with the Secret Service coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of both performers and attendees. The estimated cost of security operations is expected to exceed $100 million, making it one of the most heavily guarded events of 2025.
Music industry analysts note that performing at presidential inaugurations can have lasting impacts on artists’ careers, potentially affecting everything from record sales to tour attendance. Historical data shows that such high-profile political appearances can lead to both significant gains and losses in fan base, depending on the political climate and public reaction.
Social media engagement surrounding the announcement has reached unprecedented levels, with hashtags related to the performers trending globally. Digital marketing experts estimate that the controversy has generated over $50 million in equivalent media value through organic social media discussions and news coverage.
