Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kevin Lamarque – Swimming Pool/Getty ImagesRobert F. Kennedy Jr. surprised the crowd – and many fans – after enlisting Jewel to perform at its inaugural Make America Health Again Ball.
Jewel’s appearance was apparently a gift to Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hinesand it was unexpected: Jewel was not previously listed as a performer for the 2025 inauguration events held on Monday, January 20 to celebrate the election of the president. Donald Trumpsecond term.
“We’re going to go out and make America healthy again,” Kennedy, 71, told the crowd at the MAHA Inaugural Ball held in Washington, D.C., according to a fan video shared via X.
Kennedy – who was chosen by Trump as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services – then revealed how Jewels’ impromptu performance came about.
Carrie Underwood sang her heart out at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration despite technical difficulties. The 41-year-old country singer performed “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony on Monday, January 20 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. She was accompanied by the Armed Forces Choir and the Glee Club of the United States Naval Academy (…)
“I got a call from a woman, who is Cheryl’s favorite musical artist of her entire life, and she said, ‘I’m going to come sing in front of the crowd tonight,'” Kennedy said, before telling the audience: “We have a special gift. Please welcome Jewel.
Jewel, who has not publicly endorsed either candidate in the 2024 presidential election, then took the stage to a room full of cheers.
“I’m happy to be here,” the 50-year-old singer said. “I want to thank Bobby for sacrificing so much to make America healthy again. Start treating ourselves as if we were full human beings. We are a physical, mental and emotional body.
Jewel.
Taylor Hill/Getty ImagesThe musician noted that she chose to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for the occasion because of what the song symbolizes.
“I think it sums up the hope that founded America and that we all feel again,” Jewel said before singing the iconic song originally released by Judy Garland and written by Harold Arlen And Yip Harburg for the years 1939 The Wizard of Oz.
Jewel’s a cappella performance brought tears to the eyes of Hines, who was watching from the side of the stage.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aren’t the most likely couple. Thrust into the spotlight amid Kennedy’s 2024 presidential bid, the couple has done their best to keep their personal lives out of the public eye. As Americans speculate about how their seemingly different worldviews fit together, Curb Your (…)
THE Limit your enthusiasm The 59-year-old actress was seen fanning herself as she stood next to her husband and wiped away tears, according to an Instagram video of the event.
Although Jewel has long been an advocate for health, especially when it comes to mental health, her performance was unexpected. While many fans enjoyed her performance, like many of the musicians who appeared on stage in honor of Trump’s return to power, she also received backlash.
Jewel hasn’t publicly discussed her decision to sing at the MAHA gala, but Carrie Underwoodwho performed “America the Beautiful” at the official inauguration ceremony, responded to the online backlash she received.
Jewel has long been an advocate for prioritizing her mental health throughout her career. “When I moved out at 15, I knew I needed to learn more about happiness and I pursued it,” the singer exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting mental health resources through his Not Alone Challenge. “And when I was homeless, the (…)
“I love our country and am honored to have been invited to sing at the inauguration and be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood, 41, said in a statement earlier this month. “I am honored to answer this call at a time when we must all come together in a spirit of unity and look to the future.”
Nellywho took the stage at another inauguration event this weekend, issued his own statement, saying, “This is not politics. »
He explained: “Politics, for me, is over. He won. It’s the president. He is the commander-in-chief of what I would like to call the best country in the world.”
