Nelly opens up about his controversial inauguration performance, revealing shocking personal insights and challenging public expectations.

Carrie Underwood, Snoop Dogg and Nelly have faced backlash for agreeing to perform at Donald Trump ’s inauguration party and related events. Underwood, 41, will sing America the Beautiful at the bash on Monday night and said last week that she feels “honored” to be part of a “historic event” at the US Capitol.

Nelly also spoke about his experience as a child on a military base in Texas, praising his family members who have served in the U.S. armed forces. “If these people can give [their] life for the office, Nelly can perform,” he said. “It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office.”

Nelly’s fans showed just how far they’d go to ride with the rapper when he was hit with massive legal troubles that could’ve put him in debt.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Nelly's net worth in 2025 is a whopping $70 million—the result of album sales, sales of his alcohol brand, MoShine, and the 2023 sale of half his music catalog for $50 million, among other ventures.

Fans dig into the personal lives of their fans. Rightfully so, they expect them to represent certain values, and Trump is the opposite of those values. It may not be fair, but that is what is it. Judging Ashanti for Nelly’s choices is just wrong.

The Crypto Ball was hosted by David Sacks, who will be the new administration’s reigning expert on AI. It took place at the D.C.’s Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Ticket prices for the event went from $2,500 to $5,000 and the ball was billed as one to support the “first crypto president.”

Discover the fallout from Nelly's decision to perform at Trump's inauguration ball and how it has impacted the Ashanti fan community.

Nelly will be performing at president-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ball on Jan. 20, an inside source has confirmed to Billboard.

Tomorrow (January 20) marks the second inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump. But, this Inauguration Day’s festivities are attracting attention for a number of contrasting reasons. One of the most hotly debated points of discussion surrounds the day’s featured entertainment–which includes rappers Nelly and Snoop Dogg.

Nelly defended his decision to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration Monday while speaking to HuffPost’s Phillip Lewis. “He’s the president. He won. This isn’t a campaign,” he said. “This isn’t an RNC. I’m not out on the political campaign. I didn’t get none of that 1.5. You see what I’m saying?”