New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian-origin mayor, held a symbolic inauguration on January 1, 2026, including a performance by Sikh pop artist Babbulicious. The event, held at City Hall after an oath ceremony in a subway station, featured Babbulicious singing a modified version of his song. This collaboration highlighted cultural representation in American politics, particularly in New York City. Despite the symbolic significance, both Mamdani and Babbulicious faced online criticism.