Despite Kanye West and Donald Trump’s “famous” friendship, the president-elect’s inaugural team has not asked the rapper to perform at the inauguration. Speaking to CNN, Tom Barrack, Trump’s longtime friend and the chair of his Presidential Inaugural Committee, said that ‘Ye’s music wasn’t right for “typically and traditionally American event.”
Barrack told CNN’s Erin Burnett that the inauguration wasn’t a “fitting” venue for West, who had a high-profile meeting with Trump at Trump Tower late last year. “He’s been great, he considers himself a friend of the president-elect, but it’s not the venue,” Barrack said. “The venue we have for entertainment is filled out, it’s perfect, it’s going to be typically and traditionally American, and Kanye is a great guy, but we just haven’t asked him to perform.”
In December, ‘Ye jetted to NYC after his breakdown and nine-day hospitalization to meet with the president-elect. After their meeting, the two posed together for photos in the lobby. “We’ve been friends for a long time,” Trump told reporters. “Life, we discuss life.” Meanwhile, West refused to answer questions. “I just want to take a picture right now,” he said, laughing.
The inaugural committee had since booked Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down, The Piano Guys, Lee Greenwood and Sam Moore to take the stage at the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration” concert, which was held on Thursday, January 19.
Soul singer Moore performed “America the Beautiful” at the Thursday concert. Introduced by Trump’s loyal supporter Jon Voight, Moore and a backup choir belted out the patriotic anthem. Meanwhile, Keith kicked off his uber-patriotic performance with a rendition of “American Soldier”, which he presented for both the outgoing and incoming presidents. The country singer continued his performance with “Beer for My Horses” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”.
For the fourth time in his career, Greenwood performed his signature song “God Bless the U. S.A.” for an incoming Republican administration. Mississippi rockers 3 Doors Down joined the list of performers as they performed throwback hits including “The Broken”, “When I’m Gone”, “Kryptonite and “Here Without You”. Trump congratulated the performers and thanked the military talent and his supporters as he wrapped the evening.
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