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Rapper Nelly and country music star On Jason’s side 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 series 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 California fires.
Before his performance, the 50-year-old rapper faced backlash from the crowd.
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Nelly performed several of her hits at the Liberty Ball. (Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing it because it’s an honor. I respect the position,” the St. Louis native said in a live conversation with fellow rapper Willie D.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in office. Just like our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, they have to go to war and risk their lives for whoever’s in office,” the rapper continued. , who was born on a military base.
“So if they can risk their lives for whoever is in office, I’m sure I can perform for whoever is in office.”
“I don’t do this for money. I do it because it’s an honor. I respect the position.”
A source close to the artist told Fox News Digital that, in addition to his father, Nelly’s uncles and aunts “all served in the military for our democracy and the right of all of us to vote. He has personally stayed away from the politics and I wouldn’t do it. “I can’t participate in campaigns for anyone, but this performance is for the highest office,” reaffirming that the 50-year-old considers the performance “an honor.”
During the conversation with Willie D., the “Hot in Herré“The singer also spoke directly to his critics, rejecting the suggestion that Trump was a white supremacist. “I would ask you to show me where a white supremacist is,” Nelly replied.
Rapper Nelly attends the Baby2Baby Gala at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California on November 9, 2024. (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“Politics, for me, is over. He won! He is the president,” the rapper said at the beginning of the conversation. “He is the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”
“It is my 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 done it. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and I was asked to perform, I would have done it,” he said.
Aldean performed several songs in Washington, DC, before Nelly took the stage.
Jason Aldean wore all black when he took the stage at the Liberty Ball after President Trump’s inauguration. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Fans took to social media during the country star’s performance to praise him for his show.
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“Jason Aldean is putting on a great show at the Liberty Ball,” one user wrote.
Another added: “@JasonAldean, @BrittanyAldean Jason Aldean is putting on a great show at the Liberty Ball. What a performance!!! 100% entertainer!!!”
During his performance, Aldean stopped the show to attend to a medical emergency in the crowd.
Jason Aldean wowed the crowd when he sang at the Liberty Ball. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“Guys, hey security or whoever, I think we have someone here. We have a medical agreement, a medical emergency or something,” Aldean said as he stopped the show.
Once the country star was sure the person was receiving medical attention, she sang “She’s Country” again.
Early Monday morning, Carrie Underwood performed “America the Beautiful” at the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony, held this year inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
The country music star was forced to improvise after no musical cue began.
Underwood, positioned in front of former President Joe Biden, quickly verified that the accompanying instrumental track did not work, leaving her to improvise.
Carrie Underwood performs “America The Beautiful” at the inauguration. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“If you know the lyrics, help me here,” he prefaced before singing a cappella. After her performance, she applauded those who sang before her before turning around and shaking Biden’s hand.
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He then shared a moment with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance before leaving the room.
Last week, Underwood, who has stayed away from the political scene, confirmed that 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. (Saúl Loeb/Pool via Reuters)
“I love our country and I am honored to have been 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 honored to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
Fox News Digital’s Caroline Thayer contributed to this report.
