Thread: Inauguration Singers Defiant After Backlash from Anti-Trump Critics

by JEROME HUDSON
20 Jan 2017

Singers Jackie Evancho, Lee Greenwood and other artists say it’s an honor to perform at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, despite facing a barrage of backlash and personal insults for agreeing to perform.

Greenwood, who performed his hit song, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” said he feels “sorry” for entertainers who turned down invitations to perform at Trump’s inauguration.

“I feel sorry for them that they’re not going to be here to watch one of the most famous inaugurations of all time,” the country music star told CNN, echoing his earlier comments criticizing other artists who gave into public pressure.

“If you’re an artist, entertainer, writer or singer and you’re on stage, you’ve been given a great gift. For [other artists] to stick their head in the sand and say, ‘we’re not going to be involved in this or want to see it,’ that’s just rude … I can only just feel bad for them,” said Greenwood, who’s performed at three previous inaugurations.

Jackie Evancho, the teenage classical singer, said her family became a “big target” that received “a lot of hate” after she accepted an invitation to sing the National Anthem at Trump’s inauguration.

“[Fans] are upset for the wrong reasons. I’m not involved in politics,” Evancho told CNN. “I’m doing this because it’s a privilege and an honor to perform for my country … it’s sad.”

Pianist Jon Schimdt, who performed at the Make America Great Again! welcome concert on Thursday night, said the historic event is about unity and not division.

“Now is a time to unite. That’s what we need to do right now,” Schimdt said. “We feel very strongly about that.”

Before the inaugural ceremonies began Thursday, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame soul singer Sam Moore — who sang an emotional rendition of “America the Beautiful” at the welcome concert — also fired back at critics who disparaged him for agreeing to perform.

“I am not going to let them, the left side, intimidate me from doing what I feel is the right thing to do for the country and that [presidential] seal,” Moore said of his detractors, according to the Associated Press. “Give the man a shot. He hasn’t even said ‘I do’ yet. Give him a chance. If you don’t like him after four years, then don’t vote for him next time.”

R&B and soul singer-songwriter Chrisette Michele has been blacklisted by film director Spike Lee over her decision to sing at Trump’s inauguration.

“I am willing to be a bridge. I don’t mind These Stones, if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless,” the Grammy-winner wrote in a poem responding to her critics.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywo...eback-critics/

It's a shame really. Just awful. Spike Lee should be ashamed of himself.

After this beautiful Inauguration you should hear the two black elites, Bakari Sellers and Angela Rye. OH MY GOD, big loud-mouths running their mouths like a bad case of diarrhea because Trump didn't say anything in his speech about them, and instead addressed everything to the forgotten Americans.

To all of our wonderful black Americans, do not let these people ruin this for you. You know what you need and what you want. Many of you know Trump was the right pick, the right man for the job at hand, do not let these few who live high on the hog at the top intimidate or discourage you. These people aren't winners, they're exploiters. Trump is a fighter, a winner and now he's fighting for all of US, all Americans, especially the forgotten Americans all over the country from poor inner city areas to poor rural areas to middle class struggling to hold on and not doing very well at it, our seniors, our veterans, our police officers, our military, our workers, everyone.

I'm so sorry that we have people in our country who want to spoil good things, good people and good deeds because their candidate lost an election. They should just be ignored even though that is hard to do.

Those who proudly participated are being recognized by millions of people who may or may not have known them. They showed love of country. I hope they get more requests for performances and see increased financial rewards.

Yes, Americans will completely appreciate them and want to see and hear more from them, and they might even get some out of country jobs because the world was watching too. I sure hope so.

I bought a 3 Doors Down CD yesterday. Will buy more of the others, I liked the Piano Guys too...I want to get their CD. The little kids that played at one of the balls were soo cute!

I would like to see more of this, unknown people perform with a variety of music, with a chance to advance their careers. Another way Trump can help in their success.

I would like to see more police, Veteran's, military, border patrol and all who serve get more seats and participate in our events and balls over the Hollywood trash.

Beezer, the name of the group with the kids and the two twin boys playing trumpets is Pelican 212. So talented, so adorable.