Rapper Nelly and country music star Jason Aldean took the stage at the Liberty Ball on Monday night, honoring President Trump at his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
Nelly played a number of his biggest hits, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre,” while on stage. He also took a moment to recognize those affected by the wildfires in California.
Before the performance, the 50-year-old rapper encountered stormy reactions from the public.
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Nelly performed several of his hits at the Liberty Ball. (Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
“I don’t do this for the money. I do this for the honor. I respect the office,” said the St. Louis native. Louis in live chat with fellow rapper Willie D.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in office. The same way our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their lives on the line for anyone [is] in the office,” continued the rapper who was born on a military base.
“So if I can put my life on the line for anyone [is] in the office, I can damn sure perform for anyone [is] in the office.”
“I don’t do this for money. I do this for honor. I respect the office.”
A source close to the artist told Fox News Digital that apart from his father, Nelly’s aunts and uncles “all served in the military for our democracy and the right for all of us to vote. He personally stayed out of politics and would not campaign for anyone, but this performance is for the highest duty,” confirming that the 50-year-old considers the performance “an honor.”
During a conversation with Willie D., “Hot in Herre” the singer also directly addressed his critics, rejecting the suggestion that Trump was a white racist. “I would ask them to show me where he is a white racist,” Nelly shot back.
Rapper Nelly attends the Baby2Baby Gala at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California on November 9, 2024. (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“Politics is over for me. He won! He’s the president,” the rapper said earlier in the conversation. “He is the commander-in-chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”
“It’s an honor to speak for the president of the United States, no matter who’s in office. If President Biden asked me to speak, I would speak. If Vice President Kamala Harris won and I was asked to speak, I would speak,” he said.
Aldean performed a few songs in Washington, DC, before Nelly took the stage.
Jason Aldean was dressed in black as he took the stage at the Liberty Ball following President Trump’s inauguration. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Fans took to social media during the country star’s performance to praise him on his show.
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“Jason Aldean puts on a great show at the Liberty Ball,” wrote one user.
Another added, “@JasonAldean, @BrittanyAldean Jason Aldean puts on a great show at the Liberty Ball. What a performance!!! Entertainer 100%!!!”
During his performance, Aldean stopped the performance to address the audience with an emergency medical service.
Jason Aldean wowed the crowd when he sang at the Liberty Ball. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“You guys, hey security or whoever, I think we’ve got somebody down here. We’ve got a medical appointment, a medical emergency or something going on here,” Aldean said as he stopped the show.
Once the country star was sure the person was receiving medical attention, he returned to singing “She’s Country.”
Early Monday morning, Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” at the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony, which this year was held in the Rotunda of the US Capitol.
The country music star was forced to improvise after no musical cues would start.
Underwood, seated in front of former President Joe Biden, quickly found the backing instrumental wasn’t working, leaving her to improvise.
Carrie Underwood performs “America The Beautiful” at the inauguration. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“If you know the words, help me here,” she said before singing a capella. After the performance, she applauded those before her who sang before turning and shaking Biden’s hand.
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She then shared a moment with Trump and Vice President JD Vance before leaving the room.
Last week, Underwood, who has stayed out of the political scene, confirmed that she would perform at Trump’s inauguration.
Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” after President Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Reuters)
“I love our country and am honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” the country superstar said in a statement.
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“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we all need to come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
Fox News Digital’s Caroline Thayer contributed to this report.
