After going through backlash for agreeing to carry out at President Donald Trump’s inaugural ball, after which consequently defending himself, rapper Nelly is seeking to the commander in chief to information and “lift” the nation.
“It was an honor to have performed for the highest office in the greatest nation,” Nelly completely advised Fox Information Digital of his efficiency on Monday.
“Now we look to the president to step up, serve, and lift us all.”
Earlier than taking the stage, Nelly was greeted by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and their households, a supply shared with Fox Information Digital.
The rapper, together with different artists, together with Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus, carried out on the Liberty Ball following the inauguration.
Forward of his efficiency, Nelly, whose actual title is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., attended the Commander In Chief Ball.
A supply stated all through the night that Nelly took photographs with army officers and thanked them for his or her service.
The supply had beforehand disclosed to Fox Information Digital that the rapper, who was born on a army base, had a number of members of the family who served, a sentiment famous in his entrance on stage.
Accompanied by his dancers dressed as Secret Service, Nelly began the present by taking part in the well-known “Hail to the Chief” track, earlier than performing a collection of his greatest hits, together with “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre.”
His dancers later wore hats emblazoned with “USA.”
Over the weekend, Nelly confronted backlash for his choice to hitch within the inaugural celebrations. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office,” the St. Louis native stated in a stay dialog with fellow rapper, Willie D.
“It don’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever [is] in office,” he continued.
“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.”
The insider advised Fox Information Digital that along with his father, Nelly’s aunts and uncles “all served in the military for our democracy and the right for us all to vote. He has personally stayed away from politics and wouldn’t participate in campaigning for anyone, but this performance is for the highest office,” emphasizing that the 50-year-old considers the efficiency to be “an honor.”
Following the ball, the supply reiterated that whereas Nelly understood “people’s differing opinions,” he additionally noticed his efficiency as a possibility to deliver folks collectively and enact change.
Throughout the dialog with Willie D., the singer additionally spoke on to his critics, balking on the suggestion that Trump was a White supremacist.
“I would ask them to show me where he’s a white supremacist,” Nelly retorted.
“The politics, for me, is over. He won! He’s the president,” the rapper stated.
“He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”
“It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office. If President Biden would’ve asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris would’ve won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed,” he stated.
Nelly is ready to embark on his worldwide, “Where The Party At Tour” in March.
