Chrisette Michele confirms inauguration performance, offered money to decline

Chrisette Michele has confirmed that she will sing at Donald J. Trump’s presidential inauguration after reportedly trying to keep news of the performance “a big secret.”

“My heart is broken for our country, for the hopes of our children, for the fights of those who came before us. I cry at the thought that Black History, American History might be in vain. This country has had great moments. God has shined His light upon us,” Michele wrote in a statement on her blog.

“Today, I hope that Great Moments begin in peaceful & progressive conversation. I am willing to be a bridge. I don’t mind ‘These Stones,’ if they allow me to be a voice for the voiceless. I am here. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about what matters.’ I am here, representing you, because this is what matters.”

Michele’s team allegedly feared that performing at the festivities for the controversial president-elect could backfire. Her camp became especially concerned, the Daily News reports, after Jennifer Holliday backed out of her scheduled performance after being the target of harsh criticism online.

On Wednesday, theGrio spoke with Michele’s manager Doug Ellison on the phone. At the time, Ellison refused to deny or confirm the performance.

According to the Daily News‘ sources, inauguration organizers reached out to Michele to perform her song “Intentional,” which she recorded with gospel singers Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds and Tye Tribbett. Things fell apart, however, when at least two of the three singers pulled out.

Michele reportedly agreed to still perform as long as she could perform an R&B set.

After news broke of Michele’s inauguration performance, social media quickly slammed the singer. On Twitter, Questlove of The Roots even offered to pay Michele to change her mind. “I’d pay Chrisette to NOT perform,” he tweeted.