World Leaders Gather In New York For Annual United Nations General Assembly (Photo : Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump got on Tuesday the “Yes” of the Electoral College after he got past the 270-vote threshold for election from Republican electors in Texas. However, on the same day, the 45th president of the U.S. also got two “Nos” for his inaugural on Jan. 20, 2017.
The Telegraph reported that Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli said he would not perform at the inaugural because of pressure from fans. Trump himself approached Bocelli last week when the tenor performed at Madison Square Garden. Trump is a fan of Bocelli whom he booked to perform in 2010 in a private party of Trump’s club in 2010. The next year, the billionaire attended the blind tenor’s concert with his family.
Bocelli did not confirm he would sing at Trump’s inaugural when the incoming president invited him. However, when news of Trump inviting the Italian tenor spread, Bocelli’s fans threatened to boycott his future shows if he would sing for Trump’s event. His fans tweeted their disapproval using the hashtag #boycottbocelli.
Besides asking him not to accept the invitation, Bocelli’s fans spoke their minds to indicate their dislike for Trump. Rosita Alvirez posted on Facebook: “You have an amazing talent. Don’t degrade yourself performing for a buffoon. #dumptrump.”
So far, only “America’s Got Talent” runner-up Jackie Evancho is confirmed to perform at Trump’s inauguration.
Besides Bocelli, actor Sylvester Stallone whom Trump offered to head the National Endowment for the Arts also turned down the offer from the president-elect, Huffington Post reported. In a statement, the “Rocky” and “Rambo” star said he was incredibly flattered with the offer.
“However I believe I could be more effective by bringing national attention to returning military personnel in an effort to find gainful employment, suitable housing and financial assistance these heroes respectfully deserve,” Stallone said.
Had Bocelli agreed to sing, he would have performed “Ave Maria.”
