After he faced backlash because he agreed to perform at the President Donald Trumpat the inaugural ball and then subsequently defended himself, rapper Nelly asks the commander-in-chief to lead and “uplift” the nation.
“It was an honor to perform for the highest office in the greatest nation,” Nelly told Fox News Digital exclusively about his performance on Monday. “We now look to the president to strengthen, serve and lift us all up.”
Before taking the stage, Nelly was greeted by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and their families, a source shared with Fox News Digital.
NELLY DEFENDS PERFORMANCE AT TRUMP’S INAUGURATION, SAYS ‘IT’S AN HONOR’
Nelly previously defended his decision to perform for President Donald Trump. (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The rapper, along with other artists including Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus performed at the Liberty Ball after the inauguration. Before his performance, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., attended the Commander In Chief Ball.
Country singer and longtime Trump supporter Jason Aldean performed at the Liberty Ball on Monday night. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Billy Ray Cyrus also performed at the event. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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The source said during the evening that Nelly took a photo with the military officers and thanked them for their service. A source previously revealed to Fox News Digital that the rapper, who was born on a military base, had several family members who served, a sentiment that was noted upon his entrance to the stage.
Accompanied by his secret service-clad dancers, Nelly opened the show by playing the famous song “Hail to the Chief”, before performing a number of his biggest hits, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre.”
His dancers later wore hats emblazoned with “USA”.
WATCH: NELLY ON STAGE AT PRESIDENT TRUMP’S LIBERTY BALL
Over the weekend, Nelly faced backlash for her decision to join the inaugural celebration. “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] on duty,” he continued.
“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.”
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An insider told Fox News Digital that aside 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 wouldn’t campaign for anyone but this the performance is for the highest duty,” noting that the 50-year-old considers the performance an “honor”.
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After the ball, a source reiterated that while Nelly understands “people’s different opinions,” he also sees his performance as an opportunity to bring people together and effect change.
During the conversation with Willie D, the singer also directly addressed his critics, rejecting the suggestion that Trump is a white racist. “I’d ask them to show me where he’s a white racist,” Nelly shot back.
Nelly saw the opportunity to perform as an “honor” and not a political statement. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
“Politics is over for me. He won! He’s the president,” said the rapper. “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.
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Nelly will embark on his “Where The Party At Tour” world tour in March.
