After facing backlash for agreeing to perform for the president Donald TrumpAt his inauguration, and then his own defense, rapper Nelly looks to the Commander-in-Chief to guide and “lift up” the nation.
“It has been an honor to serve in the highest office in the greatest country,” Nelly exclusively told Fox News Digital of his performance on Monday. “Now we look to the president to step up, serve us and lift us all up.”
Before she took the stage, Nelly was greeted by President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and their families, a source told Fox News Digital.
Nelly defends her performance at Trump's inauguration and says, “It's an honor.”
Nelly previously defended her decision to sing for President Donald Trump. (Bronte Whitpin/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Rapper, along with other artists, including Jason Aldean and billy Ray Cyrus, It was performed at the Liberty Ball after the opening. Before his performance, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Eral Hines Jr., attended the Commander-in-Chief's gala.
Country singer and longtime Trump supporter Jason Aldean performed at the Liberty Ball on Monday night. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nickinson)
Billy Ray Cyrus also performed at the event. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Throughout the evening, a source said, Nelly took photos with military officers and thanked them for their service. The source had 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 when he entered the stage.
Accompanied by his dancers dressed in Secret Service uniforms, Nelly began the show by playing the famous “Hail to the Chief” song, before performing a series of his biggest hits, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Ride Wit Me.”Hot in Hare“.
His dancers later wore hats that said “USA.”
WATCH: Nelly takes the stage at President Trump's Freedom Ball
Over the weekend, Nelly faced backlash over his decision to join the inaugural festivities. “I'm not doing this for the money. I'm doing this because it's an honor. I respect the position,” the St. Louis native said. 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 in office.” He continued.
“So, if they can put their lives on the line for anyone in office, I can certainly do their part for anyone in office.”
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The insider told Fox News Digital that in addition to his father, Nelly's aunts and uncles “all served in the military for our democracy and the right of all of us to vote. He has personally stayed away from politics and has not been involved in campaigning for democracy.” Anyone, but this performance is for the highest office,” stressing that the 50-year-old considers this performance an “honor.”
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After the ball, the source confirmed that while Nelly understands “people's different opinions,” he also sees his performance as an opportunity to bring people together and create change.
During the conversation with Willie D., the singer also spoke directly to his critics, rejecting the suggestion that Trump was a white supremacist. “I would ask them to explain to me where he is a white supremacist,” Nelly responded.
Nelly saw the opportunity to perform as an “honor” rather than a political statement. (Erica Goldring/Getty Images)
“Politics is over for me. He won! He's the president,” the rapper said. “He is the commander-in-chief of what I would say is the best country in the world.”
“It is an honor to perform for the President of the United States, regardless of who is in office. If President Biden had asked me to perform, I would have performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and he had asked me to perform, I would have performed.”
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Nelly is set to embark on her global Where The Party At Tour in March.
