Rachel Platten Displeased About Unauthorized Use of Her Song at Inaugural Ball
Disgruntled songwriters are speaking out about the seemingly unauthorized use of their songs during President Donald Trump's inaugural ball on Friday.
Rachel Platten's hit song, "Fight Song" -- which coincidentally was the anthem at several Hillary Clinton campaign rallies last year -- was covered by YouTube sensations The Piano Guys in a mash-up with "Amazing Grace."
In a pair of tweets posted hours later, Platten stated that the use of her song during the Trump-sponsored concert was completely unauthorized.
"While I respect the office of the President and the peaceful transfer of power, I want to make clear that at no point did the Piano Guys ask for permission, nor did I or anyone on my team know of, approve or endorse their decision to play Fight Song tonight," the 35-year-old singer wrote.
While I respect the office of the President and the peaceful transfer of power, I want to make clear that at at no point did the Piano Guys
— Rachel Platten (@RachelPlatten) January 21, 2017
ask for permission, nor did I or anyone on my team know of, approve or endorse their decision to play Fight Song tonight.
— Rachel Platten (@RachelPlatten) January 21, 2017
WATCH: Rachel Platten Sings 'Fight Song' With Inspiring 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient
The Utah-based quartet quickly responded, stating that their performance "had nothing to do with Hillary Clinton or politics."
Our performance tonight, which combined "Fight Song" and "Amazing Grace" had nothing to do with Hillary Clinton or politics....
— ThePianoGuys (@PianoGuys) January 21, 2017
We chose to perform our version of "Fight Song/Amazing Grace" - it was not endorsed by Rachel Platten. We love Rachel and we love her song.
— ThePianoGuys (@PianoGuys) January 21, 2017
Platten isn't the only songwriter speaking out. The Piano Guys also covered One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful," to which Savan Kotecha -- one of the writers behind "Beautiful" and a slew of other Top 40 hits -- expressed his extreme "disappointment."
"The song is about love, joy, and acceptance," Kotecha told Billboard via email. "The fact that it was used to celebrate a man who stands for divisiveness and bigotry breaks my heart."
"I wrote 'What Makes You Beautiful' for my wife," the songwriter added, just after posting a tweet stating that The Piano Guys were "absolutely NOT given permission" to cover the track. "I am a son of immigrants. My children are biracial. A 'Trump America' makes me worried for their future."
They were absolutely NOT given permission to use WMYB at the inaugural ball. I will be looking into taking action.
— Savan Kotecha (@Savan_Kotecha) January 21, 2017
The YouTube foursome has yet to respond to Kotecha's statements regarding the use of the One Direction track.
For more celebrity takes on Trump's recent inauguration, watch the clip below.
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