Coverage dated January 17, 2025 to January 19, 2025

Nelly speaks out on his decision to perform at Trump's inauguration

Headline from NBC Chicago, on the newest of 2 developments

Rapper Nelly spoke about his upcoming performance at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration events Jan. 20, defending his decision amid backlash.

NBC Chicago's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Earlier updates in this story

Developments in this update

2 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

Jan 18, 2025
Nelly to perform at Trump inaugural ball
Headline from The Hill ·
Jan 19, 2025Newest
Nelly speaks out on his decision to perform at Trump's inauguration
Headline from NBC Chicago ·

Read the reports

Reports & sources

16 articles, oldest first.

The Hill
Nelly to perform at Trump inaugural ball (opens The Hill)
Published Jan 17, 2025
The Hill's feed description
President-elect Trump’s inaugural committee announced that hip hop superstar Nelly would perform on Monday at the Liberty Ball set to take place after the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony. “This marks a pivotal moment in our country where people from all backgrounds are joining together to co…
Black Enterprise
Rapper Nelly Set To Perform At Donald Trump's Inauguration Liberty Ball (opens Black Enterprise)
Published Jan 17, 2025
Black Enterprise's feed description
Nelly is one of several Black artists that have been announced to be performing at Donald Trump Inaugural events next week.
Breitbart News
'Hot in Herre’ Rap Star Nelly to Perform at Trump Inauguration Liberty Ball (opens Breitbart News)
Published Jan 18, 2025
Breitbart News's feed description
Three-time Grammy-winning rapper Nelly will perform at one of President-elect Donald Trump's three official inaugural balls on Monday.
NBC Chicago
Nelly speaks out on his decision to perform at Trump's inauguration (opens NBC Chicago)
Published Jan 18, 2025
NBC Chicago's feed description
Rapper Nelly spoke about his upcoming performance at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration events Jan. 20, defending his decision amid backlash.
Variety
Nelly Addresses Criticism of Performance at Trump Inauguration Ball: ‘I’m Doing This Because It’s an Honor’ (opens Variety)
Published Jan 18, 2025
Variety's feed description
Rapper Nelly has spoken out against criticisms of his performance at a ball celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.
Fox News
Nelly defends performing at Trump's inauguration, says 'it's an honor' (opens Fox News)
Published Jan 18, 2025
Fox News's feed description
Rapper Nelly is defending his decision to perform at President-elect Trump's inauguration. A source close to the artist confirmed he'll be at the Liberty Ball.
Entertainment Weekly
Nelly says ‘it’s an honor’ to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration amid backlash (opens Entertainment Weekly)
Published Jan 18, 2025
Entertainment Weekly's feed description
Nelly is defending his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration: 'The politics, for me, is over. He won!'
The Guardian
‘This isn’t politics’: Nelly defends decision to perform at Trump inauguration ball after backlash (opens The Guardian)
Published Jan 19, 2025
The Guardian's feed description
Rapper says he is honoured to perform for the US president after he and other acts, including Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus, faced criticism
The Hollywood Reporter
Nelly Defends His Upcoming Performance at Trump Inaugural Ball: “This Isn’t Politics” (opens The Hollywood Reporter)
Published Jan 19, 2025
The Hollywood Reporter's feed description
Nelly defended his decision to perform at incoming President Trump's inaugural ball, saying the event is not a campaign trail.
Breitbart News
Nelly Says 'It's an Honor' to Perform at Trump's Inauguration in Response to Backlash: 'The Klan Was Created by the Democrats' (opens Breitbart News)
Published Jan 19, 2025
Breitbart News's feed description
Rapper Nelly has defended his decision to perform at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, calling it "an honor." Nelly said in a live conversation with fellow rapper Willie D that he will be performing at the Liberty Ball on Monday out of respect for the office of the president.
Rolling Stone
Nelly Defends Performing at Trump Inauguration: 'I Respect the Office' (opens Rolling Stone)
Published Jan 19, 2025
Rolling Stone's feed description
Nelly defended his decision to perform at Trump's presidential inauguration events following backlash for taking the stage at Monday's Liberty Ball.

Identical headlines usually mean shared wire copy. They are counted as separate articles but are not independent confirmation.