As the inauguration of Donald J. Trump approaches tomorrow, January 20, a selection of performers, including Carrie Underwood and the Village People, are preparing for their scheduled appearances amidst some amount of criticism levied at them for choosing to perform at the event.

Carrie Underwood expressed her feelings about it, stating, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.” Meanwhile, the Village People let people know that their goal is to foster unity in a time of division, saying, "Our song is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost."

Adding to the discourse this weekend, rapper Nelly faced critique from Willie D on his podcast for agreeing to perform at the Inaugural Liberty Ball. He stated that the decision is not financially driven but rather stems from respect for the presidency. He remarked, "I am honored to be performing for the office, for the president of the United States, regardless. Ain't nan 'nother president asked me to perform. Ain't nobody called Nelly."

Willie D pushed back, saying, "Well, ain't nobody ever asked you to come to a klan rally, either," to which Nelly said, "What you mean? Why would I go to a klan rally? I don't live in a klan country." Willie then responded, "Well, this a klan country, man," to which Nelly asked, "Where it's at?!"

Nelly & Willie D GO AT IT About Him Performing At Trump's Inauguration. Click the link in my profile above for my full audio interview on the Willie D Live Podcast and check him out on my Youtube channel. pic.twitter.com/O7YRADVST0

— Willie D (@WillieDLIVE) January 19, 2025

Further in the interview, Nelly drew a parallel between his performance and the sacrifices made by military personnel, comparing his performance to the commitment of those who serve their country. He remarked on how soldiers “have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever is in office,” suggesting that, in his view, if they can serve under any administration, he too can perform for any president. 

The "Country Grammar" singer said:

“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this cause it’s an honor. I respect the office. It don’t matter who is 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 life on the line for whoever is in office. So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office […] I would ask [critics] to show me where he’s a white supremacist.”