Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2024 Nominees

This combination of photos shows Mary J. Blige, from left, Cher, and Mariah Carey, who are among the 2024 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)
This combination of photos shows Mary J. Blige, from left, Cher, and Mariah Carey, who are among the 2024 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)
TT

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 2024 Nominees

This combination of photos shows Mary J. Blige, from left, Cher, and Mariah Carey, who are among the 2024 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)
This combination of photos shows Mary J. Blige, from left, Cher, and Mariah Carey, who are among the 2024 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (AP Photo)

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday unveiled its nominees for 2024, with singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, the queen of Christmas hits, and Cher, the Goddess of Pop, making the list for the first time.
Other debut nominees include rock stalwarts Foreigner and Peter Frampton, funk legends Kool & the Gang, singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, Britpop icons Oasis, the soulful Sade, and Sinéad O’Connor. Ozzy Osbourne, following his previous induction with Black Sabbath, is recognized for his solo career.
R&B star Mary J. Blige makes the list for a second time, with ten of the fifteen acts on the ballot for the first time.
To be considered for this honor, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The final list will be announced in late April. The ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, will be livestreamed on Disney+ and a special broadcast will air on ABC, which will be available on Hulu the following day.



Village People, Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump Inauguration

Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Village People, Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump Inauguration

Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)
Carrie Underwood performs at Times Square on New Year's Eve in New York City, US, December 31, 2024. (Reuters)

The Village People -- the group behind "Y.M.C.A," a staple of Donald Trump's rallies -- said Monday they have accepted an invitation from the president-elect to perform at events connected to next week's inauguration.

Singer Victor Willis said in a statement on Facebook the Village People would "participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump."

"We know this won't make some of you happy to hear, however, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics," Willis continued.

"Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.

"Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump."

Trump's campaigns have frequently played the 1970s-era hit at rallies during his multiple bids for office, with the Republican often dancing onstage to it.

Also on Monday, famed country singer Carrie Underwood said she had accepted an invitation to perform during the inauguration slated for January 20.

"I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement.

"I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."

The 41-year-old is scheduled to sing "America the Beautiful," according to a schedule released by the Trump team.

Historically the president-elect has had a rocky relationship with most figures in the entertainment world, many of whom have admonished him for playing their music at his rallies -- including, at times, the Village People.

During his first term several artists threatened to boycott their own induction ceremonies into the prestigious Kennedy Center pantheon if Trump attended those gala -- which he ultimately never did.