UPDATED Saturday at 8.15 a.m. PT: Holliday has canceled plans to perform at the inauguration.
UPDATED Friday at 5.15 p.m. PT: A publicist for Holliday told TheWrap late Friday afternoon that the “Dreamgirls” star will perform at the inauguration.
“It’s now confirmed,” Holliday’s publicist Bill Carpenter said. “She will perform there.”
PREVIOUSLY:
It looks like Donald Trump’s inauguration team jumped the gun on pledging that Broadway star Jennifer Holliday will perform: A spokesman for the “Dreamgirls” veteran says she has been asked to sing, but hasn’t yet agreed.
“Jennifer has been asked to perform but she hasn’t officially agreed to do so yet,” her publicist, Bill Carpenter, told TheWrap. “I’ll let you know later this afternoon for sure if she’ll be performing.”
On Friday, Trump’s inauguration spokesman, Boris Epshteyn tweeted: “Can’t wait for @TobyKeithMusic, @LadyJHOLLIDAY, @3doorsdown, etc. and remarks from @realDonaldTrump at the #MAGA Welcome Celebration!”
That led to several critical tweets from Holliday fans who expressed disappointment that she would take part.
I know times are hard but damn that can't be THAT hard. So disappointed in you#JenniferHolliday
— Chanel 🌈 ॐ (@AwkwrdButterfly) January 13, 2017
Friday’s announcement was significant because Trump has had so much trouble booking inauguration talent. As TheWrap first reported, two talent bookers said Trump’s team had even offered ambassadorships in an attempt to wrangle A-list talent. Many of those approached have said they do not want to “normalize” Trump’s presidency.
Singer Paul Anka said Friday he would have to back out of plans to sing “My Way,” but said it was because of a scheduling conflict, not any political reason.
H
Now she just needs to tell us if she’s going to the inauguration.