CHARL DUMPS TRUMP
CHARLOTTE CHURCH has turned down an offer to sing at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.
The Cardiff-born singer said his staff had been in touch asking her to sing at the event on January 20.
But she told them on Twitter: “A simple internet search would show I think you’re a tyrant. Bye.” She included a series of poo emojis in her tweet.
Charlotte’s fans were quick to congratulate her, with one tweeting: “Ha! Brilliant! Let’s place bets now on how long before he says either a) he hasn’t asked you or b) you’re overrated!”
Another asked: “Have you considered saying yes and then singing something really inappropriate for a laugh?”
But TV presenter Piers Morgan, who’s spoken favourably of Trump in the past, poured scorn on Charlotte’s story, telling her: “Oh pur-lease, he’s never heard of you, you ridiculous creature.”
There has been controversy over who is going to sing when he is officially sworn in as president of the United States. Last week, X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson said she has agreed to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington as long as she gets to pick the song.
The Liverpool singer wanted to sing the civil rights anthem Strange Fruit made famous by the jazz singer Billie Holiday.
Yesterday, she said she has now refused outright to sing at the concert.
In a statement, Ferguson wrote: “There are many grey areas about the offer for me to perform that I’m unable to share right now, but I will not be singing.”
Strange Fruit, made famous by Billie Holiday, was originally a poem about racism and lynching in America’s Deep South and includes the lines: “Blood on the leaves and blood at the root, black bodies swinging in the southern breeze.”
Ferguson said: “Due to circumstances beyond my control concerning the offer to perform at the Inauguration Concert, I was thrown into the middle of a political arena last week.
“I wasn’t comfortable with the song choice made on my behalf, and although I’m very blessed to have a gift that gives me amazing opportunities, as a mother and an artist, I had to defend my stance.
“That is why I made the decision to sing Strange Fruit when I was invited.
“I requested to sing Strange Fruit as I felt it was the only song that would not compromise my artistic integrity and also as somebody who has a lot of love for all people, but has a special empathy as well for African American people and the #blacklivesmatter movement, I wanted to create a moment of pause for people to reflect.”
The only performers confirmed to appear so far are the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and singer Jackie Evancho, of America’s Got Talent, who will sing the national anthem.
The Radio City Rockettes will be dancing at the swearing-in ceremony, but their employers have said no dancer will be compelled to attend.
It has been reported that Elton John, Celine Dion and opera singer Andrea Bocelli have already turned down offers to perform at the event.
Charlotte Church says Donald Trump’s staff had asked her to sing at his inauguration later this month