A number of performers initially announced for the upcoming Great American State Fair have pulled out of the event, raising fresh controversy around the festival organized under Freedom 250, a group set up to coordinate celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The two-week event, scheduled to begin June 25 at the National Mall, is expected to feature participants from all 56 states and territories in what organizers describe as a “World Fair-style celebration.” According to Freedom 250, the programme will include “live entertainment, immersive exhibits, patriotic tributes, innovation showcases, cultural programming, and family-friendly attractions,” with daily themes such as “Heritage & Legacy,” “Horsepower of America,” and “MAHA Monday.”
Earlier this week, organizers released an initial lineup featuring Martina McBride, Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Flo Rida, The Commodores, Morris Day and the Time, Bret Michaels, C+C Music Factory and Milli Vanilli. However, five of the nine acts have since withdrawn.
Martina McBride
Country star Martina McBride said she backed out after discovering changes in the nature of the event.
“I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,” she said.
“I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.”
Bret Michaels
Rock singer Bret Michaels also announced his exit, saying the event had shifted away from what was originally described.
“When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” he said.
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of.”
He added: “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
“This isn’t about politics,” Michaels said. “But as a father, friend and bandmate, I have to take threats and safety concerns seriously.”
Young MC
Rapper Young MC confirmed his withdrawal, citing concerns about political involvement.
“I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT,” he wrote.
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event.”
He added that he hoped to perform in Washington in the future “at an event that is not so politically charged.”
The Commodores
The Commodores also confirmed they would not participate.
“Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,” the group said. “We support the betterment of all Americans.”
Morris Day and the Time
Morris Day said he would not be performing but did not provide further details, stating only “contrary to rumor” that he would not be involved.
Milli Vanilli
Singer Jodie Rocco clarified that neither she nor other original vocalists were part of the lineup.
“My sister and I were shocked to see our name, ‘Milli Vanilli,’ as one of the performers,” she said.
A later statement confirmed they would not be involved, adding that anyone using the name “should be considered a tribute band.”
However, surviving member Fab Morvan said he would still perform.
“I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them,” he said. “Let’s celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane.”
He added that he looks forward to “finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live in person.”
Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice appeared to confirm participation, saying in a TikTok video: “It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years, man, from George Washington until now.”
Flo Rida
Flo Rida has not issued an official statement, though he has reacted to social media comments with emojis.
The controversy comes amid broader planning for America’s 250th anniversary, which includes multiple national events under a White House task force established early in President Donald Trump’s second term. Other planned activities include an IndyCar race passing near the White House and a UFC event on the South Lawn.
Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland defended the initiative, insisting it remains nonpartisan.
“It is inherently nonpolitical. It is a celebration of our country,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything partisan about America being around for 250 years.”
