Lee Greenwood says celebrities who have turned down or backed out of singing for president-elect Donald Trump’s Inauguration were making a “mistake.”
On Monday, the 74-year-old country singer told the Hollywood Reporter that it was a shame Jennifer Holliday and Andrea Bocelli had backed out of performing for the inaugural ceremonies after backlash. (RELATED: Big & Rich To Perform At Inaugural Gala)
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“I think that’s a mistake,” Greenwood said. “And, I think, sadly, that she [Jennifer Holliday] would buckle under that kind of minority approach. Because it probably is.” (RELATED: New Details Have Been Released About Trump’s Inauguration Plans)
“The nation spoke resoundingly to elect this president,” he added. “For her to buckle under, to social media, again, she’s thinking that’s going to make an impact on her career. And it certainly won’t.”
“You’re going to sing for the president, my gosh,” he continued. “I didn’t work the campaign, she didn’t work the campaign. This is basically an invitation to go to Washington D. C. and be a part of this celebration. I’m sorry she made that choice. It doesn’t influence what I do or, I think, many of the other performers who will be there.”
“It’s not just about the Trump event, it’s about the change of power in D. C.,” he said. ” This is our fourth inauguration, I think whenever you’re asked to do a Congressional appearance, I think it’s in bad taste to say, ‘No.’”
“It’s not political,” he added. “I consider it a great honor and prestige of being able to sing the song I wrote in 1983 at the Lincoln Memorial. It will be a wonderful moment for my career but also for the citizens who will be watching it on television worldwide.”
“We have a new president-elect, and we’re going to support him.”
Greenwood will sing Thursday night at a pre-inaugural concert and then again at the dinner for vice president-elect Mike Pence. The singer has performed for three past Republican presidential inaugurations.
