Thursday, December 22, 2016

While Some Singers Dodge the Trump Inauguration, Country Music Is Really Stepping Up for America

Questions have been swirling around who will be performing for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. At times, it's been difficult to tell if the chatter's been more about rumors being silenced or critics being appeased. Over the past couple of weeks, once a name gets leaked, angry people respond, and a denial then then issued. Classical tenor, Andrea Bocelli, experienced the backlash himself when #BoycottBocelli began after his name surfaced as a possible inauguration performer: The denial part began when Page Six reported:
“Andrea Bocelli will not perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Page Six has exclusively learned — because of backlash over the gig.”
When asked if he would perform for Trump's inauguration ceremony, legendary Garth Brooks avoided answering with a firm yes or no, telling TMZ, “I don't know. I haven't been asked." But he did give Trump fans — and fans of country music — a little hope when he admitted his mind was open. Brooks might not be officially slated to perform during the president-elect's inauguration, but other artists from the country music world have proudly stepped up and will join in for the swearing-in festivities. Country Music Nation reported that superstar duo Big & Rich will be showing their support for Trump as headliners for an Inauguration Night charity event. The Randy Rogers Band will take the stage January 19th, the day before the Inauguration, for a performance at the 2017 Black Tie and Boot Presidential Inaugural Ball. Big & Rich member John Rich heads into his presidential performance with a bond already established with Trump. The two worked together on Trump's hit TV show “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2011. That season, Rich walked away from Trump's series as the winner, where he raised $1.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital...more

No comments: