The list of artists who will be performing at the swearing in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States of America, has been met with controversy and criticism.
US rappers Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy, Rick Ross and Nelly, were among those who received backlash on social media, and were accused of being sell-outs for agreeing to be part of Trump’s festivities.
They join a line-up consisting of country singer, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kid Rock and Idols winner, Carrie Underwood who are set to sing America the Beautiful which is dubbed as the unofficial national anthem.
Most of the flak some of these celebrities are receiving getting comes from their previous stance regarding Trump.
Old videos and comments of them expressing their disapproval of Trump as a political leader have since emerged.
During an exclusive interview on YouTube, Nelly sought to defend his decision.
“I respect the office.
This isn’t politics.
The politics for me, it’s over, he won.
He is the president and the commander-in-chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.
If President Joe Biden would have asked me to perform, I would’ve performed.
If Vice President Kamala Harris would have won and asked me to perform, I would have performed,” explained Nelly.
The Dilemma hitmaker further added that it was an honour for him to perform for his country despite who is in office.
Although many fans objected to the move, some expressed their understanding, describing the invite to share a stage at such a prestigious ceremony as life changing.
Meanwhile, thousands of Americans are anticipated to be part of the ceremony that will be held on Monday 20 January 2025 at Washington DC.
In addition to Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, who was announced to lead the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration, other big tech executives such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, are set to attend the inauguration.
