In a surprising turn of events, rapper Nelly is slated to perform at Donald Trump’s inaugural ball on January 20, 2025, a decision that has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. The announcement, first reported by CBS, reveals that Nelly will join a star-studded lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, and the Village People. However, many are questioning how the St. Louis native, who has openly criticized Trump’s presidency in the past, reconciles this performance with his previous statements.
In a 2017 interview with Page Six, Nelly differentiated between Trump the celebrity and Trump the politician, expressing his fondness for the former while condemning the latter. “You know the thing about Donald Trump is that I liked Donald Trump,” he stated. “I did, I just don’t like Donald Trump as my president.” He elaborated on his concerns, labeling Trump as a poor role model for Americans and expressing surprise at some of his presidential behavior. “He doesn’t surprise me as a person, he surprises me as a president,” Nelly remarked, indicating his discontent with Trump’s leadership.
Despite his criticisms, Nelly has managed to incorporate humor into his reflections on Trump’s presidency. At one point, he jokingly lamented, “I’m more or less mad at him because I can’t stay at his hotels now. I’ve been staying there for 15 years, now you pull this? Get it together, homie!” This blend of critique and levity has left some fans questioning his sincerity regarding his political views.
Nelly’s relevance in the political arena has been highlighted recently as well, particularly during the last Democratic National Convention, where UAW President Shawn Fain referenced his iconic hit “Hot In Herre” to emphasize the urgency of the working-class struggle. “In the words of the great American poet Nelly: ‘It’s getting hot in here,'” Fain stated, using the phrase to rally support for Kamala Harris. Yet, with Nelly now performing for the Republican party, the juxtaposition of his past remarks and current actions raises eyebrows.
The announcement of Nelly’s performance at Trump’s inaugural ball has ignited debate within both the music community and his fanbase, many of whom are eager to see how he navigates this seemingly contradictory situation. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Nelly and his decision to share the stage with a roster of artists aligned with a polarizing political figure.
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