Rebecca Ferguson Says She’ll Sing At Trump’s Inauguration If She Can Sing “Strange Fruit”

Thus far, several internationally-known singers —including Andrea Bocelli, Elton John and Celine Dion — have refused to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20.

Rebecca Ferguson Says She Will Sing At Trump’s Inauguration

The only three confirmed performers are the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the New York City Rockettes, and 16-year-old America’s Got Talent runner-up Jackie Evancho. 

This is not exactly an impressive lineup, according to many observers.

However, another singer, 30-year-old British The X-Factor alum Rebecca Ferguson, has stated she is willing to perform, although under one condition:  that she is allowed to sing the 1937 protest song “Strange Fruit.”

The song is known for being highly controversial, so much in fact that it was blacklisted in the United States. The tune speaks about lynching of black people in the South.

Here is the full statement Ferguson released on Twitter:

“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.”

‘Strange Fruit’ was most famously performed by Billie Holiday, and was written in 1937 by Abel Meeropol, a New York City teacher, and was meant to protest racism in America. Specifically, it decried the horrors of lynching African Americans. It has since been recorded and performed by dozens of other artists, including Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and Nina Simone. During a time when racial tensions in America are undeniably high, the song will surely carry great significance should Ferguson perform it.

Ferguson was the runner-up of the UK’s X-Factor in 2010.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9zs

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Rebecca Ferguson performs on stage during The Magic of Christmas at London Palladium on November 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Luca V. Teuchmann/Getty Images)