Andrea Bocelli 'will NOT be singing at Trump's inauguration' after fans threatened to boycott his music if he performed
- The famous tenor was rumored to be playing Trump's inauguration after the president-elected approached him personally
- Reportedly, he backed away after a Boycott Bocelli movement started on social media
- So far, only child classical music prodigy Jackie Evancho has confirmed
Andrea Bocelli will not be playing at president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration after suffering 'backlash.'
Page Six reported that the famous tenor had been approached by Trump personally to play at his inauguration.
But a Boycott Bocelli movement on social media supposedly forced him to reconsider.
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Trump is a big fan of Bocelli and reportedly personally asked him to play his inauguration. The pair are pictured together in February 2010
Bocelli and wife Veronica Berti (left) and Trump and wife Melania at Bocelli's 2010 concert at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach
After rumors spread that Bocelli would be appearing at the inauguration, many on social media called for a boycott of his music
'Trump has a long-standing relationship with Bocelli, and wants to ask him in person to perform.
'The plan is to have acts at the inauguration that are meaningful for Trump, and he’s a huge fan of Bocelli,' a source told the column.
When word got out, fans went ballistic and a 'Boycott Bocelli' movement was started on social media.
'I love your voice, but will feel obligated to join #Boycott Bocelli if you sing at Trump's coronation. Please don't,' wrote @carefordemocracy.
'If Andrea Bocelli refuses to join artisticboycott of Trump and is helping legitimize him, then we #BoycottBocelli' wrote @SheWhoVotes.
Meanwhile, the opera singer's Facebook wall was filled with pleas not to play the inauguration.
'This inauguration is a tragedy and please do not lend your angelic voice to it,' wrote one fan.
A source told the gossip column: 'Bocelli said there was no way he’d take the gig . . . he was ‘getting too much heat’ and he said no.'
Bocelli was reportedly considering playing the inauguration but backed off after getting backlash. He is seen singing at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday
Another source added: 'Trump suggested to Bocelli he not participate because of the backlash. It’s sad people on the left kept him from performing on a historic day.'
Bocelli joins Garth Brooks as one of the few famous names who were floated as being willing to play who have apparently changed their minds.
A member of Trump's transition team even went so far as to say Elton John would be playing, but the singer vehemently denied it, according to Variety.
So far, the only 'famous' name confirmed to play is classical prodigy Jackie Evancho.
Even Kanye West, who didn't hesitate to take a photo op with the president-elect last week, hasn't offered.
Trump is rumored to be the one who offered Bocelli an 'out' telling him there was too much heat
The Wrap reported that two Republican standbys, Kid Rock and Ted Nugent, were willing, but nothing has been announced.
It's a far cry from President Obama's inauguration when A-listers like Beyonce, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder jostled for face time with the outgoing president.
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- Backlash keeps Andrea Bocelli from performing at inauguration | Page Six
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