Will Rebecca Ferguson perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, what is the song Strange Fruit and who else might perform?
FORMER X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson could have just landed her most watched gig in history.
The singer has been asked to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, but has said she’ll only accept the offer if she’s allowed to sing Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday.
So when is the event and why could the song prove a controversial choice?
When is Donald Trump’s inauguration?
The 45th President of the United States will be inaugurated on January 20, 2017.
Following his successful election campaign, it will mark the beginning of Trump’s four-year term.
As well as speeches and invocations, there will be performances from an unconfirmed number of singers at the event.
Will Rebecca Ferguson be performing?
Rebecca Ferguson has revealed she has been asked to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration – and will graciously accept with one condition.
The former X Factor star posted a message on Twitter revealing she would do the performance if she was allowed to sing Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday.
Why does Rebecca Ferguson want to sing Strange Fruit?
Strange Fruit, originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, has been heralded as one of the first great protest songs and talks of lynching in the American South.
Rebecca explained why she wanted to perform Billie Holiday’s song in particular.
She wrote in a statement: “If you allow me to sing “strange fruit” a song that has huge historical importance, a song that was blacklisted in the United States for being too controversial.
“A song that speaks to all the disregarded and down trodden black people in the United States.
“A song that is a reminder of how love is the only thing that will conquer all the hatred in this world, then I will graciously accept your invitation and see you in Washington. Best Rebecca X.”
Who is performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration?
One of the acts that has been booked to celebrate Trump’s presidency is Jackie Evancho.
The 16-year-old America’s Got Talent contestant is set to perform the American anthem, Star Spangled Banner.
Inaugural Committee Director of Communications Boris Epshteyn said: “We’re delighted to have Jackie Evancho performing the National Anthem at the 58th Presidential Inaugural Ceremony.
“As the youngest solo artist to ever go platinum, she is a true role model and inspiration for people young and old in our country and around the globe.
“Jackie represents the best and the brightest of America.”
There has been speculation whether or not the Beach Boys will accept their invitation to perform.
A spokesperson for the band said: "The Beach Boys have been asked to perform as part of the inauguration festivities.
“But no decision has been made at this point as to how or whether they will participate. We will let you know as soon as a decision is final.”
Have any artists turned Donald Trump down?
When vice-chairman of the inauguration committee, Anthony Scaramucci, hinted that Elton John would be singing, the Grammy Award winner was quick to dispel speculation.
A spokesperson for the star said: “Elton will not be performing at Trump’s inauguration”.
Other artists that have allegedly turned Trump down include country singer Garth Brooks, Canadian mega-producer David Foster and Kiss frontman Gene Simmons.
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