Less than 48 hours after Freedom 250 unveiled the entertainment lineup for its “Great American State Fair” in Washington, D.C., a growing number of announced performers publicly said they would not participate.
Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and The Time and The Commodores have now publicly stated the will not perform, with several alleging they were misled about the nature of the event.
Construction crews carry out preparations on the National Mall in Washington, May 11, 2026.
Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock
The event is scheduled to take place on the National Mall as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
What appears to be driving the backlash is a perception that Freedom 250, a public-private partnership created to help carry out events for the White House-led Task Force 250, is more closely aligned with President Donald Trump’s administration and political movement than they initially understood. Freedom 250 is separate from the congressionally-established U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which operates as America 250.
It’s not clear what artists were told when they were booking the concert or what specifically made them feel the event was partisan in nature.
Freedom 250 pushed back Friday against claims that its Great American State Fair is partisan, defending the National Mall event.
“The Great American State Fair is a celebration of all Americans, and Freedom 250 remains fully committed to delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings every corner of this country together on the National Mall,” Freedom 250 Spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said in a statement.
“We respect the rights of any artist to make their own decisions, and our doors remain open to any performer who wants to be part of honoring 250 years of American freedom, culture, and unity,” Reisner added.
Martina McBride attends Musicians On Call: Music Heals Live, May 20, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jason Davis/Getty Images
McBride pulled out of the event earlier this week, saying she was misled about it.
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states,” McBride said in a statement.
Young MC performs during the “I Love The 90’s” tour, Aug. 7, 2022, in Aurora, Ill.
Rob Grabowski/AP Photo/Rob Grabowski
Young MC echoed McBride’s concerns on social media.
“The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as ‘Trump-backed.’ I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged,” Young MC wrote in a post.
In a statement on Friday morning, Michaels said his understanding of the event changed after it was announced.
Bret Michaels performs before the second round of the NFL football draft, April 24, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
Sue Ogrocki/AP
“When this opportunity was originally presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and a chance to honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” Michaels 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. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable,” Michaels added, not offering an explanation about what he felt made the event divisive.
The Commodores also cited a desire to avoid partisan affiliations.
“Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,” the group said in a statement. “We support the betterment of all Americans.”
Walter Orange of The Commodores performs at the United Talent Agency Party during day 2 of the IEBA 2016 Conference on October 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images
The status of C+C Music Factory remains unclear. Freedom Williams, who has performed under the group’s name, posted a profanity-filled video to social media while on a toilet criticizing the event and suggesting he would participate. However, C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivillés, who was not expected to perform at this event, publicly distanced the group from Williams’ comments, saying Williams does not represent the group’s views and the group would not be performing.
Milli Vanilli, the pop group famously stripped of its Grammy Award after a lip-syncing scandal, is also disputing the group’s performance. One of the original vocalist told ABC News they were not contacted to participate in the event, accusing Fab Morvan — the surviving member of the lip-syncing pop duo — of using the Milli Vanilli name for a performance they say does not represent the original group, sound or singers.
Morvan, in a statement, said he would perform at the event and was “looking forward” to “finally sing Milli Vanilli songs live in person.”
Not all performers have backed out of the event.
Representatives for Vanilla Ice told ABC News the rapper still plans to perform.
“Vanilla Ice is contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair at the National Mall on Friday, June 26. He is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!”
As of Friday, rapper and singer Flo Rida has not publicly announced whether he still plans to perform.
Leave a Reply