It is an honor for me to perform for the president of the United States, regardless of who is in office,” the rapper said.

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.”

Rapper Nelly defends his participation in Donald Trump's inaugural ball by clarifying that the decision has 'no political implications' and is 'not to influence any particular political opinion'. The rapper is joined by Carrie Underwood,

Nelly defended his decision to perform at Trump's presidential inauguration events following backlash for taking the stage at Monday's Liberty Ball.

Football's Carrie Underwood is being called a traitor as she is set to perform “America the Beautiful” at Trump’s inauguration

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

The Village People—the band behind one of Trump’s favorite hits, “Y.M.C.A.”—will perform at a pre-inauguration event.

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?”

Rapper Nelly is addressing backlash after he announced he will perform at an inaugural ball following President-elect Donald Trump's swearing-in.

Nelly is the latest star to defend himself amid backlash for participating in the inauguration festivities. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood also faced criticism after announcing that she would sing "America the Beautiful" for the ceremony.

Fellow rappers Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross also performed at the president-elect's pre-inaugural Crypto Ball. on Jan. 17.