Nelly Trump inauguration ball

Photo Credit: Nelly by Adam Bielawski / CC by 3.0

Rapper Nelly is set to perform at one of Trump’s three inaugural balls on Monday, as a late addition to the roster.

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing three official inaugural balls on Monday, January 20, and rapper Nelly is the latest to appear on the performance roster. The Grammy winner, known for his 2000 hit “Country Grammar,” his 2001 hit “Ride Wit Me,” and his 2002 hit “Hot In Herre,” will hit the stage at the Inaugural Liberty Ball.

Like other stars who agreed to perform at the event, Nelly has already been hit with his share of criticism. He defended his decision to join the festivities in a live conversation with fellow rapper Willie D.

“I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ‘cause it’s an honor. I respect the office. […] It don’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever’s in office,” said Nelly, a St. Louis native who was born on a military base. “So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever’s in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever’s in office.”

In addition to his father, Nelly’s aunts and uncles all reportedly have served in the US military “for our democracy and the right for us all to vote.”

“It is an honor for me to perform for the President of the United States, regardless of who is in office,” he reiterated. “If President Biden would’ve asked me to perform, I would’ve performed. If Vice President Kamala Harris would’ve won and asked me to perform, I would’ve performed.”

Nelly is only the most recent addition to the inauguration performances, which include country star Carrie Underwood performing “America the Beautiful.” Other artists slated to perform include Kid Rock, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood.

But with temperatures in Washington, D.C., expected to hit the low 20s as an arctic blast moves across the region, the show isn’t bound to be quite as “hot” as some of the music. Trump announced that his inauguration ceremony will move inside the Capitol due to the freezing temperatures.