X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson 'graciously accepts' invitation to sing at Donald Trump's inauguration... if she can perform track protesting racism
By Julia Pritchard for MailOnline PUBLISHED: 19:11 EST, 2 January 2017 | UPDATED: 03:48 EST, 3 January 2017 Former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson has been asked to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration.
The reality show runner-up, 30, announced on her Twitter page on Monday that she had been approached by the new President to sing at the ceremony in Washington D.C., scheduled for 20 January.
However, the singer noted she would only go through with the appearance if she was allowed to sing Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit - a track controversial in 1930s America for protesting racism.
The Liverpool native, who came second on The X Factor back in 2010, confirmed she had been asked by Trump to perform - despite world-wide superstars Beyonce and Aretha Franklin taking to the stage at the ceremonies for Barack Obama.
Addressing the matter on the social media site, she wrote: 'I've been asked and this is my answer.'
'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'
The song, performed most famously by jazz legend Billie Holiday, is a somewhat bold choice for the Republican's ceremony, as the lyrics protest against the issue of racism.
Originally constructed as a poem by Abel Meeropol in 1937, the song discusses the brutal lynchings of African Americans - which were rife in the Deep South at the time of writing.
The track opens with the lyrics: 'Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root, black bodies swinging in the southern breeze, strange fruit hanging from the poplar tree.'
Representatives of Rebecca declined to comment to MailOnline. The unexpected request is set to mark a high point in Rebecca's career - no doubt helping to increase her fan base over in the States, after finding UK success in light of her appearance on the seventh series of the X Factor.
Placing in second behind Matt Cardle, she was signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco Music soon after.
Her debut record Heaven, released in 2011, rocketed to number 3 on the UK album chart - overtaking the success of the show's winner Matt.
She suffered a minor hiccup in 2012 however, when she sacked her management and took them to court after accusing them of overworking her.
The mother-of-two launched a scathing Twitter attack on her handlers, claiming she was subjected to such punishing work conditions that she collapsed.
However, after another two top 10 albums, Rebecca has most recently seen the release of her fourth studio record Superwoman, which she is currently following up with a successful UK tour.
While she embarked on a US tour in 2013, the singer has found far less success with her music over in the United States.
However according to The Wrap, the President-Elect is struggling to find acts to perform at his inauguration, in light of his controversial campaign.
The site reports that Trump is now willing to pay the act who agrees to perform, in order to draw in a top musician. A fee has never been made to a musical performer before at a Presidential welcome.
What about the top country singers. Don't they always do the republican stuff?
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Some years ago, our band played behind Mary Wilson (the real voice behind The Supremes) in a Pops Concert.
Mary insisted that 'Strange Fruit' be on the playlist. It was a 'deal-breaker' part of her contract with us. My Band said "yes"... without hesitation.
Mary Wilson knocked 'Strange Fruit' out of the park that night.
_________
Cheryl is a good friend. Started violin when she was 9. Same year as me, in rust-belt Lima, OH. Cheryl got her start in Southern Indiana... 'Klan Country,' born and raised. She plays in the 2nd violin section, and has a direct line-of-sight to me at almost all our concerts.
At the end of Mary's gig, Cheryl found me, backstage.
"Are you alright? I saw you crying, during the concert-" "Yeah.... I'm good. "Why?" " 'Strange Fruit,' Kiddo. Google the lyrics tonight-"
We had a gig the next day. Cheryl rushed up to me... and grabbed me in a hug that still stops my heart, some 15 years later.
She locked eyes on me and said: "I never knew-"
_______________
If Donald Trump (and his team) see fit to allow 'Strange Fruit' to be sung at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, I'm willing to re-examine them.
Why?
-Because that wold be (at least) symbolic gesture that would signal to me that someone like Steve Bannon isn't deep into the ear of My Newest POTUS.
Guarantee? Not in the least. Hope? Maybe a little.
There are many from the Arts community who have chosen to withhold their contributions from this POTUS' inauguration.
How does the 'non-arts' see this mini-issue?
Inquiring minds wanna know.
Don't think it's a mini issue, it would be a very fruitful olive branch that would ease a lot of people's minds-so long as the gesture doesn't stop there.
WE DON'T NEED A QB BEFORE WE GET A LINE THAT CAN PROTECT HIM my two cents...
What about the top country singers. Don't they always do the republican stuff?
Yes, and I thought I read where Garth Brooks has agreed or would agree to perform. Not sure about any others but I suspect a guy like Hank Williams JR would perform if asked.
I think you can strike many top stars off the list. There is and always has been some kind of divide between republican candidates and stars. Never did understand why that was. Don't think that has much to do with Trump, just the party. Just a guess however.
Side note: I've never heard of this performer.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
There is and always has been some kind of divide between republican candidates and stars. Never did understand why that was. Don't think that has much to do with Trump, just the party.
Hmm the party that continually wants to cut funding for the arts, stands in the way of the LGBQT rights (which many in the arts either are LGBQT or strongly support their rights), stands in the way of social progress which is pushed forward by the arts...hmmm why would artists/singers have a rift with those that would shout them down?
There is and always has been some kind of divide between republican candidates and stars. Never did understand why that was. Don't think that has much to do with Trump, just the party.
Hmm the party that continually wants to cut funding for the arts, stands in the way of the LGBQT rights (which many in the arts either are LGBQT or strongly support their rights), stands in the way of social progress which is pushed forward by the arts...hmmm why would artists/singers have a rift with those that would shout them down?
Well yeah, there is that LOL
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Why should the government be funding the arts in the first place? The arts is making enough money in this country to support itself.
Because the arts make the world we live in beautiful.
By refusing to perform and snubbing the new President, the Arts are showing their true ugliness.
Actually, I think they are showing contempt for Trump....
Actually I think they are more concerned about their agenda than about America itself. They are ugly, bitter, and contemptuous because America has rejected their agenda, hands down.
I fully understand that Trump won the election, but Clinton got far more than 2,000,000 plus votes more. So the majority of the voters voted Clinton and I'd venture to say that most of the people who consume their music vote left.
So if you care about your career, you do what's best for it. It's fine to beat the drum of hate but in most cases it's not very accurate.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Why should the government be funding the arts in the first place? The arts is making enough money in this country to support itself.
Because the arts make the world we live in beautiful.
By refusing to perform and snubbing the new President, the Arts are showing their true ugliness.
Actually, I think they are showing contempt for Trump....
Actually I think they are more concerned about their agenda than about America itself. They are ugly, bitter, and contemptuous because America has rejected their agenda, hands down.
LOL Now that right there was downright funny.. For 8 years, the conservatives did everything and anything could to hamstring the 1st black President the USA has ever had. They went so far as to say they would block anything he proposes.
And you think folks in the arts are being ugly, bitter and contemptuous?
Man you need a lesson in history and common sense.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
I have to laugh at you liberals who have done nothing but hate on Trump and the Republicans but when someone sees it differently, they are beating the drum of hate.
It is as just as ridiculous as your claims about the popular vote meaning anything.
For example, according to your logic, if in the World Series, Team-A won 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, then lost 5-4, 2-1, 3-1, and 4-1,
You Would Be Crying That Team-A scored 31 Runs While Team-B Only Scored 20! That Should Count For Something!
Glad you just admitted that the system voted Trump in, not the people.
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Gee, by your definition that sounds like Beating the Drums of Hate.
Speaking of a Beating, I was driving Rt.50 near DC yesterday, in a driving rain, when I saw this poor fellow walking along the edge of the road. He looked very lost and homeless.
I pulled over to give him a ride and to my surprise it was Obama's Supreme Court Nominee!
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
Sorry but I just don't get the Radiohead thing. I've tried. Just doesn't do it for me. At all. And I'm into 'experimental' sounds and music. Zimmer could be a cool show though.
There are many from the Arts community who have chosen to withhold their contributions from this POTUS' inauguration.
How does the 'non-arts' see this mini-issue?
Inquiring minds wanna know.
I know i'm a lost cause as far as your concerned ... but i have a question for u i'd like answered so maybe you'll return the favor by answering mine if i answer yours ...
I could care less about who sings or doesn't sing ... i can think for myself just fine, I don't need to let some "artist" do my thinking or influence me on a subject i prolly know way more about than them ...
Now ... to what i would LOVE TO KNOW ...
U said if they allow that song to be sung you'd re-examine "them" ... my question ...
Did Jim Brown and Ray Lewis's meeting with Trump move the needle at all? ...
A couple legit questions for you Diam. Or any other conservative/Trump supporters. Why not just use Ted Nugent and be done with it? Why would the republicans want an artist that stands against their policies to perform for them? Why would Pence go to Broadway, supporting them with his money, when he clearly dislikes the LGBQT community and would force many of the actors on stage into 'conversion therapy' if given his druthers?
A couple legit questions for you Diam. Or any other conservative/Trump supporters. Why not just use Ted Nugent and be done with it? Why would the republicans want an artist that stands against their policies to perform for them? Why would Pence go to Broadway, supporting them with his money, when he clearly dislikes the LGBQT community and would force many of the actors on stage into 'conversion therapy' if given his druthers?
No open flames or weapons are allowed in.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson.
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