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Nelly and Jason Aldean Perform at Liberty Ball Following Trump’s Inauguration
Rapper Nelly and country artist Jason Aldean took to the stage at the Liberty Ball on Monday evening, celebrating President Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
Nelly energized the audience with performances of his well-known songs, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre.” During his set, he also acknowledged the devastating impacts of the recent wildfires in California.
Prior to the event, Nelly faced criticism from some members of the public regarding his participation.
Nelly Speaks on His Motivation
The St. Louis-born rapper addressed the criticisms in a conversation with fellow artist Willie D, stating, “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office.” He highlighted the importance of the presidency regardless of one’s personal political stance, emphasizing that many Americans, including military personnel, risk their lives for their country and its leaders.
“If they can put their life on the line for whoever is in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever is in office,” he added.
A source familiar with Nelly indicated that his family background played a role in his decision to perform, as many of his relatives have served in the military. The source noted that while Nelly typically steers clear of political campaigns, he views performing at the inauguration as a significant honor. He also challenged the characterization of Trump as a White supremacist, urging critics to provide evidence for such claims.
Aldean Takes the Stage
As Nelly concluded his set, Jason Aldean followed with his performance in Washington, D.C. Dressed in all black, he received enthusiastic feedback from fans, many of whom took to social media to commend his show.
Aldean paused during his performance to address a medical situation in the crowd, ensuring proper attention was given before resuming his song “She’s Country.”
Carrie Underwood’s A Cappella Performance
Earlier on the same day, Carrie Underwood delivered a stunning rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration ceremony, which took place inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Encountering technical difficulties, Underwood adeptly transitioned to an a cappella performance, inviting the audience to join her in singing.
Underwood expressed her gratitude for being a part of the historic event, stating, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration.” She emphasized the importance of unity and forward-looking sentiment among Americans during this time.
Reflecting on the Event
The Liberty Ball saw not just performances from acclaimed artists but also moments that underlined the communal spirit surrounding the transition of power in the nation. With both Nelly and Aldean receiving both praise and scrutiny, their performances mark another instance of artists engaging with the political landscape in a significant manner.
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