Nelly, the Grammy-winning rapper and St. Louis native, has raised eyebrows with his unexpected decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inaugural ball on January 20. Reports confirmed by CBS have sparked widespread conversation, with many fans questioning the rapper’s choice, particularly given his outspoken criticism of Trump during his presidency. Nelly will join a star-studded lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, and the Village People, adding further intrigue to the high-profile event.
The decision has left many of Nelly’s fans puzzled, especially those familiar with his previous remarks about Trump. In a 2017 interview with Page Six, Nelly openly discussed his mixed views on Trump, differentiating between Trump the celebrity and Trump the president. “You know, the thing about Donald Trump is that I liked Donald Trump,” Nelly said at the time. “I did, I just don’t like Donald Trump as my president.” While acknowledging Trump’s appeal as a media personality, Nelly critiqued his presidency as being an unfavorable example of leadership, citing Trump’s attitudes and actions as incongruous with the expectations for a U.S. president.
“He doesn’t surprise me as a person; he surprises me as a president,” Nelly explained. “Because you don’t expect certain things, certain attitudes.” Despite his critiques, Nelly injected humor into his commentary, joking about how Trump’s presidency affected his travel preferences. “I’ve been staying at his hotels for 15 years; now you pull this? Get it together, homie!” he quipped, balancing his criticism with levity.
Nelly’s decision to perform at the inaugural ball becomes even more surprising in light of his indirect involvement in the Democratic National Convention (DNC). During the 2020 DNC, United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain cited Nelly’s hit single “Hot In Herre” during a speech. Fain adapted the lyrics to reflect the urgency of the moment: “It’s getting hot in here… because you’re fired up and fed up.” The reference energized the crowd, highlighting working-class frustrations. However, this energy ultimately did not translate into a political victory for Democrats, adding another layer of complexity to Nelly’s apparent shift in support.
The rapper’s choice to perform for a Republican event has sparked debate about his motivations. Some speculate that the decision is purely professional, with Nelly viewing the opportunity as a chance to reach a broader audience or solidify his status as a versatile entertainer. Others argue that his involvement reflects a growing trend among celebrities to separate their political opinions from their professional engagements.
Nelly, known for chart-topping hits like “Hot In Herre” and “Dilemma,” has long been celebrated for his ability to connect with diverse audiences through his music. While his appearance at Trump’s event may seem contradictory to some, it underscores the often-complex relationship between art, politics, and personal convictions.
As the inaugural ball approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Nelly’s performance unfolds. Regardless of public opinion, the rapper’s decision highlights the unpredictable intersections of politics and entertainment, leaving many to wonder what it says about the evolving dynamics of both industries.
