Nelly says ‘it’s an honor’ to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration

Nelly wants fans to know that his decision to perform at the inauguration ball for President-elect Donald Trump has nothing to do with politics.

The Grammy-winner, who has faced backlash since announcing the news earlier this week, took to YouTube on Saturday night for a lengthy chat with fellow rapper Willie D, in which he defended his decision to participate in the Jan. 20 festivities.

“I’m not political. I’m not out here trying to tell anybody who they should vote for,” Nelly said during the livestreamed conversation. “This is not a campaign trail. This is not me telling you, ‘Yo, you should vote for this candidate.’ I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and you provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it.”

He continued, “But what I will say is that, I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, is over. He won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”

The “Hot in Herre” rapper went on to discuss his experience of being born on a military base in Austin, pointing out that he has multiple family members who served in the U.S. military throughout his lifetime. 

“What does the military have to do with the inauguration?” Willie D eventually inquired. 

Nelly replied, “If these people can give [their] life for the office, Nelly can perform. It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”

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He added, “If President Biden would’ve asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris would’ve won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed.”

The rapper then expressed disappointment in his fanbase for criticizing his decision, arguing that his charitable actions throughout his career should reflect who he is, rather than a single performance.

“I didn’t know that you was riding with me because you thought I would ride for who you voted for. I didn’t know that I had to agree with your political choices,” Nelly told fans. “If you follow what I do, this shouldn’t even be an argument.

He continued, “He’s the president. He won. This isn’t a campaign, this isn’t [the] RNC… 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.”

He added, “Performing for somebody and voting for somebody is two different things.”

When asked point-blank if he considers himself a Trump supporter, Nelly reiterated his point, saying, “I support the president of the United States regardless of who is in office. Regardless, I respect the office.”

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for Nelly for additional comment.

Nelly is the latest star to defend himself amid backlash for participating in the inauguration festivities. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood also faced criticism after announcing that she would sing “America the Beautiful” for the ceremony.

“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,” Underwood said in a statement to EW. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

The Village People, opera singer Christopher Macchio, singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus are also set to participate in the inauguration festivities.