‘This isn’t politics’: Nelly defends decision to perform at Trump inauguration ball after backlash

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

Nelly has defended his decision to perform at US president Donald Trump's inauguration ball after a backlash, saying it is an honour for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office".

The Hot in Herre singer is booked to perform alongside country singer Jason Aldean and the Village People on Monday at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three official balls marking Trump's return to office. Other acts who are performing at Trump's various inauguration events include Carrie Underwood, Gavin DeGraw and Billy Ray Cyrus, who have also faced a backlash from fans.