2025 Year in Review: Nelly Braves Backlash for Performing at Trump’s Inauguration

For reasons good, bad, ugly, and everything in between, 2025 was one for the books!

As the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the occasions that rocked – and to some degree – maybe even reshaped the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll look back at the headline-grabbing backlash that ensued after Nelly revealed he was performing at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump.

Pre-Inauguration Performance:

Nelly Defends Performing at Trump’s Inauguration Despite Backlash: “It’s An Honor”

Ashanti Slammed for Nelly’s Inauguration Performance

Nelly Compares Backlash for Trump Inauguration to Drama Around Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’

Pastor Jamal Bryant Calls for Nelly’s Cancellation for Trump Performance

Inauguration Performance:

Nelly Performs at Trump’s Inauguration Despite Backlash

Post-Inauguration Performance:

Nelly Suffers Streaming Slump After Performing at Trump’s Inauguration

Nelly Slammed by Janelle Monae for Inauguration Performance

Nelly Argues Performing for Trump Doesn’t Mean He Endorsed the President