Nelly Calls on President Trump to 'Rise, Serve, and Unite Us All' Amid Backlash

Nelly was greeted by President Donald Trump before his performance at the Liberty Ball, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Nelly Calls on President Trump to 'Rise, Serve, and Unite Us All' Amid Backlash
Nelly Calls on President Trump to 'Rise, Serve, and Unite Us All' Amid Backlash

Nelly is seeking guidance from President Trump to help uplift the nation after facing criticism for performing at his inaugural ball and defending his decision.

"Nelly exclusively told Planet Chronicle Digital that it was an honor to have performed for the highest office in the greatest nation on Monday. He now hopes the president will step up, serve, and uplift everyone."

Nelly was met by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families before going on stage, according to a source who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Nelly in a leather-studded vest points out into the crowd while performing on stage
Nelly previously defended his decision to perform for President Donald Trump. (Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Nelly, along with other artists such as Jason Aldean and Billy Ray Cyrus, performed at the Liberty Ball following the inauguration. Prior to his performance, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., attended the Commander In Chief Ball.

Jason Aldean in a black short sleeve shirt and black cowboy hat performs on stage and outstretches his left arm at the Liberty Ball
Country singer and longtime Trump supporter Jason Aldean performed at the Liberty Ball on Monday night. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Billy Ray Cyrus lifts up his hand in the air while performing at the LIberty Ball
Billy Ray Cyrus also performed at the event. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

According to a source, Nelly posed for photos with military officers and expressed gratitude for their service during the evening. The source had previously revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that the rapper, who was born on a military base, had multiple family members who served, which was reflected in his entrance on stage.

Nelly began the concert with his Secret Service dancers performing "Hail to the Chief," followed by a medley of his most popular songs, including "Ride Wit Me" and "Hot in Herre."

His dancers later wore hats emblazoned with "USA."

WATCH: NELLY TAKES THE STAGE AT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S LIBERTY BALL

Nelly takes the stage at President Trump's Liberty Ball

Nelly faced criticism over the weekend for his decision to participate in the inaugural celebrations. In a live interview with Willie D, he explained his motivations, stating, "I'm not doing this for the money. I'm doing it because it's an honor. I respect the office."

"It doesn't matter who is in office. Our men and women, our brothers and sisters who serve this country, must go to war and risk their lives for whoever is in power," he said.

"If they are willing to risk their lives for whoever is in office, then I am confident in my ability to deliver for whoever is in office."

Nelly's father, as well as his aunts and uncles, all served in the military to protect democracy and ensure everyone's right to vote. Despite staying away from politics, Nelly has decided to participate in the highest office's performance, which he considers an honor.

While Nelly acknowledged the diversity of opinions among people, he saw his role as a chance to unite them and drive change.

Nelly defended Trump against accusations of white supremacy during a conversation with Willie D., stating, "I would ask them to show me where he’s a white supremacist."

Nelly in a white polo shirt and chain necklace with transparent eyeglasses looks to his left on stage
Nelly saw the opportunity to perform as "an honor" rather than a political statement. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

"The rapper declared that politics are over for him, as he has won the presidency and is now the commander in chief of the best country in the world."

Regardless of who is in office, it is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States. If President Biden had asked me to perform, I would have performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris had won and asked me to perform, I would have performed.

In March, Nelly will kick off his global "Where The Party At Tour."

by Caroline Thayer

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