Rebecca Who ?

[Bazile]

By all accounts , they were having trouble getting anyone to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration .

This lady has apparently agreed .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38491238/rebecca-ferguson-asked-to-perform-at-donald-trumps-inauguration-ceremony

I have never heard of her before today .

Have you ?

[Mamyalynne]

She's relatively new to the big time - X Factor 2010 launched her on the public.

[donny48]

A talented lady who is making a point when you see the song she wishes to perform.

[andy-hughes]

RF is an X-Factor runner-up who has carved a successful career as a singer.

If she does get her way, and sings Strange Fruit, I for one will be deeply impressed with not only her choice, but her insistence at singing it at such a high profile event.

[andy-hughes]

I cross-posted with Donny, but indeed, the significance of the song she has chosen cannot be underestimated.

[-Talbot-]

Yes

[jd_1984]

Talented girl and down to earth by all accounts.
Why not her?

[Bazile]

Ah , so an ex X factor contestant .

Well , the last time i watched X factor , was when Alexandra Burke won

[andy-hughes]

I saw Alexandra Burke's audition, and tipped her as the winner, but this may have been influenced by the fact that I thought she was drop-dead gorgeous!

[donny48]

Try listening to Billie Holidays version of the song.

[andy-hughes]

Donny - for me, with some songs, there really is only one version, everything is a pale tribute, and Billie singing this song is a great example of that.

[anneasquith]

Is that her singing career down the pan whatever song she sings ?

[donny48]

Andy, I will take Billies version of virtually any song.

[Bazile]

I have just listened to Strange fruit .

I must say i would be surprised if Trump agreed to this choice of song

[andy-hughes]

Indeed - especially sung by a woman from black ancestry!

[donny48]

Precisely the reason she chose it was to make a point.

[rockyroad]

Its a horrible tune and horrible words why would anyone want to hear that at an inauguration? She will accept to sing for Trump for her career and I bet she won't sing that song, its dreadful.

[rockyroad]

Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant South
The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop

[anneasquith]

I doubt very much she will be allowed to sing that song .

[sunny-dave]

Good grief rockyroad - I'm dumbstruck

It's an iconic song with a mournfully wonderful tune and sharply barbed lyrics - I've seen it called many things, but never before 'dreadful'.

[rockyracoon]

I agree with Rockyroad. I just had a listen and thought it was the worst dirge that I have ever had the misfortune to listened to.