Rebecca Ferguson has revealed that she has been asked to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. The 30-year-old singer announced the news on Twitter, and told fans she would "graciously accept" the invitation from the American president-elect if she can perform the anti-lynching track, Strange Fruit.
The song was originally recorded by Billie Holiday, but was first written as a poem by Abel Meeropol. It describes the lynching of African Americans in the early 20th century and has been hailed as one of the first great protest songs.
Rebecca Ferguson has revealed she has been invited to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony
Of the inauguration ceremony, Rebecca 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 the world, then I will graciously accept your invitation and see you in Washington. Best, Rebecca X."
The X Factor star said she would appear if she could sing the Billie Holiday track, Strange Fruit
Rebecca – a runner-up on the 2010 series of The X Factor – released an album covering Billie Holiday tracks just last year, although Strange Fruit does not feature on the listing.
According to numerous reports, Donald Trump has been struggling to find musicians to appear at his inauguration ceremony on 20 January, with many major stars having previously aligned themselves with the Hillary Clinton campaign. One confirmed artist is America's Got Talent runner-up Jackie Evancho, who will sing the National Anthem.