The list of artists not planning to play Donald Trump's inauguration continues to grow much longer than those who have officially signed up. The latest to shoot down rumors of an inaugural gig is R. Kelly, who tweeted on Thursday night (Jan. 12) that it is "simply untrue" that he'll suit up for the New York real estate mogul's big day next week.
The post entitled, "End.Of.Story" features the statement in a large yellow box with the important denials in bolded red and Kelly explaining that "Despite the rumors circulating online, R. Kelly will not be performing at this years inauguration ceremony."
And Kelly wasn't the only one clarifying that they wouldn't be joining the celebration of the former Celebrity Apprentice star's rise to the highest office in the land. After a week of rumors, Marie Osmond also took to Twitter on Thursday to essentially say the same. "Many of you have seen various stories saying that I volunteered or that I am performing at the inauguration. So let me be clear!" wrote the singer.
"I had no intention of performing at this inauguration, no matter who won!" Osmond went on to explain that though she has performed for several presidents and at a number of charitable White House events, she tries to "stay out of politics." Osmond's name got into the mix because in an earlier interview this week she said "when it comes to our country, we need to unite, and to not support our president I think is wrong."
Osmond and Kelly join a growing roster of acts who have either turned down the honor or made it clear they would if asked. Among those who have reportedly said no thank you according to a number of reports and tweets are: Andrea Bocelli, Moby, Charlotte Church, Elton John, Céline Dion, Kanye West, Rebecca Ferguson, Garth Brooks, David Foster, KISS and Idina Menzel.
And while Trump earlier claimed that he wasn't interested in "A-list" celebs at his inauguration, just one week out the announced performance roster is one of the thinnest in recent memory, comprised of fellow reality TV star America's Got Talent winner Jackie Evancho, Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy and most of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Radio City Rockettes. At his press conference this week, Trump promised unnamed "tremendous talent" for his event.
In contrast, President Obama's first inaugural in 2009 featured a historic all-star tribute called "We Are One" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that had performances from Beyoncé, U2, Jon Bon Jovi, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Brooks, Josh Groban, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Shakira and Jennifer Nettles, among many others.
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