There are only a few days left until the inauguration of the President-elect Donald Trump, but many artists have refused to accept the invitation to perform at this event. Finally, a singer accepted, but with one condition. The only artist who might accept the invitation is Rebecca Ferguson, a British singer who became famous after the British version of the "X-Factor" show.
She wrote on Twitter that she will accept the invitation to sing at the inauguration of Trump only if she is allowed to sing the song "Strange Fruit," a protest song from the '30s, made famous by Billie Holiday. The song is a protest against racism, as CNN informs.
According to the tradition, the ceremony of the new president's inauguration should include a musical moment. For instance, Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé sung at the inauguration of Barack Obama. But nobody seems to be happy about singing for Trump!
Anti-racist hymn
Trump's team seems to be running out of time. They are now negotiating with Rebecca Ferguson, who said she would only participate if they would allow her to sing the song "Strange Fruit," an anti-racist hymn composed by Billie Holiday.
The artist wrote on Twitter that she will accept the invitation only if she is allowed to sing the song. The lyrics of this song were written in 1930, a poem protest against racism in the southern states of America. Billie Holiday sang this song often during concerts, in 1939.
Many artists have boycotted Trump's inauguration
So far, although many artists have been contacted to sing when Donald Trump will be installed in the White House, almost all of them refused. Among the artists who declined the invitation there are famous artists like: Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Elton John, John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, Ice-T , Katy Perry, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, and KISS. Also, Many famous artists, like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, and Jon Bon Jovi supported Hillary Clinton in the presidential campaign.
The Rockettes are not pleased to attend the ceremony
It is already known that the Rockettes dance troupe will take part in the ceremony. But even this announcement is not without controversy. A few days ago, a member of the choir also scheduled to perform at the event, Jan Chamberlin, announced her resignation from the famous choir, saying she could never sing for Trump because this would be like throwing roses to Hitler. "Looking from the outside, it seems that this choir is supporting tyranny and fascism singing for this man (Donald Trump )," she also wrote on Facebook.
Several members of the Rockettes dance troupe also refused to attend the event. Later, it was announced that none of the dancers in the group will be obligated to take part.