Paul Anka told TMZ Friday that he has to back out of plans to perform “My Way” for President-elect Donald Trump at an inauguration ball next Friday, though that decision is not out of protest.
Anka says that Trump is a long-time friend of his and personally invited him to perform at the inauguration gala ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where he would have perform “My Way” as Trump danced with his wife, Melania. Instead, Anka had to cancel due to a scheduling change in an ongoing custody case for his son. Anka said that he had always been planning to perform on Jan. 20 “for the office and for our country.”
“If I had done it, I would hope there would be some understanding for my motivation for it and judge me accordingly,” said Anka.
Anka’s decision comes as the performer list for the inauguration finally takes shape. It was announced Friday that country singer Toby Keith and rock band 3 Doors Down will perform next week, with “America’s Got Talent” contestant Jackie Evancho singing the national anthem.
When asked if he shared Trump’s political views, Anka quipped, “You’re gonna have a better chance getting sunrise past a rooster on that one.”
Watch Anka’s remarks to TMZ in the clip above.