Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kevin Lamarque – Pool/Getty ImagesRobert F. Kennedy Jr. surprise the crowd – and many fans – after signing up A gem to perform at his Make America Health Again Inaugural Ball.
Jewel’s appearance was apparently a gift to Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hinesand it was unexpected — Jewel was not previously included in the list of artists for the 2025 inauguration ceremonies held on Monday, January 20, in celebration of the President. Donald Trumpthe second term.
“We’re going to go out and make America healthy again,” Kennedy, 71, told the crowd at the inaugural MAHA Ball in Washington, DC, according to a fan video shared by X.
Kennedy – who was nominated by Trump as his choice for the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services – then revealed how the mysterious operation of Jewels came about.
“I got a call from a woman, Cheryl’s favorite singer of her life, and she said to me, ‘I’m going to sing for the crowd tonight,'” Kennedy said, before telling the audience, “We’re in for a special treat. Please accept the Jewel.”
Jewel, who has not endorsed any candidate for the 2024 presidential election, then took the stage to a packed room.
“I’m happy to be here,” said the 50-year-old singer. “I want to thank Bobby for sacrificing so much to make America healthy again. Starting to treat us like people. We are a physical, mental and emotional body.”
A gem.
Taylor Hill / Getty ImagesThe singer noted that he chose to sing the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at this event because of what this song symbolizes.
“I think it sums up the hope that founded America and that I think we are all feeling again,” said Jewel before singing the famous song that was first released by. Judy Garland and written by Harold Arlen again Yes Harburg in the 1939s The Wizard of Oz.
Jewel’s a cappella music brought tears to Hines, who was watching from the side of the stage.
I Reduce Your Enthusiasm the actress, 59, was seen blowing herself up while standing next to her husband wiping away tears, according to an Instagram video of the event.
Although Jewel has been a long-time health advocate, especially when it comes to mental health, her performance was unexpected. While many fans appreciated his performance like many musicians who appeared on stage to honor Trump’s return to office, he also received criticism.
Jewel has yet to speak publicly about her decision to perform at the MAHA gala, however Carrie Underwoodwho performed “America the Beautiful” at the official opening, responded to the Internet backlash he received.
“I love our country and I feel honored to be asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood, 41, said in a statement earlier this month. “I feel humbled 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 this stage at another ceremony of his inauguration over the weekend, issued his own statement, saying, “This is not politics.
He explained, “Politics, for me, is over. He won. He is the president. He is the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world.”