The lineup for the Freedom 250 concert series, which celebrates America’s milestone birthdays, continues to shrink as artists drop out.
President Trump’s “Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair” is a 16-day free festival held from June 25th to July 10th on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The event was initially described as a patriotic celebration with concerts and tributes to the military, but several artists claimed that it had been misunderstood and was no longer in line with its values.
Bret Michaels, Martina McBride and other artists have also pulled out.
Others, on the other hand, are focused on their future performances and proudly announce that they are still part of the lineup.
Ahead of the event, Page Six analyzes the musicians who left the lineup for America’s 250th anniversary and those who are still performing today.
Who was eliminated from Freedom 250?
martina mcbride
McBride announced on May 28 that she was withdrawing from the Freedom 250 Concert Series, calling the event “misleading.”
“I wanted to talk to you to clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th,” the country music legend wrote on Instagram. “I was given the opportunity to perform at a bipartisan event, which turned out to be misleading.”
The songwriter claimed that she was “confident that this was a bipartisan event aimed at celebrating all 50 states,” but said that “things started to change” and it became clear to her that this was not the case.
“In my mind, this was a great way to celebrate our state and bring people together in a way that only music can,” she wrote. “I saw this as just an expanded version of the many state fairs I have appeared at over the years, and a celebration of what makes our communities and each state special.”
McBride continued, “I’ve spent my entire career singing about real people with real problems. I’ve had the opportunity to be a voice for people who didn’t feel like they had a problem.”
“It’s very upsetting to think that fans who have been touched by my music feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you that’s not the case. Thank you to each and every fan who has reached out. I hope to be back in the Washington, D.C., area soon,” she concluded.
McBride was scheduled to perform on June 25, the opening day of the festival.
bret michaels
Michaels also announced his exit from the festival on May 28, posting a message to all his “friends and fans” via Instagram.
“When this opportunity was first presented to my team, it was described as a celebration of our country through music and an opportunity to honor veterans, active duty military, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,” the Poison frontman wrote.
“As the son of a veteran and from a family that has proudly served in the military, I am always honored to support it,” he said.
Michaels explained that he has “spent his entire career bringing people together through music, positivity and good vibes” and said his show “has never been about politics.”
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something far more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” he continued. “I have received concerns for the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including completely unfounded and unacceptable threats.”
Michaels concluded, “Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
young MC
The young MC announced that he would no longer perform at the festival because he was not initially informed that the event was “pro-Trump.”
“The artists were not informed of any political affiliation to this event, and despite organizers’ claims that the event is nonpartisan, Spin describes the event as pro-Trump,” the rapper shared on Instagram on May 28.
He “hopes to perform in Washington, D.C., at a less political event in the near future.”
morris day and time
Although no specific reason was given, Morris Day and the Time confirmed on May 28 that the band would not be part of the Freedom 250 lineup.
“Contrary to rumors, Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the Great American State Fair,” the frontman posted on Instagram.
He captioned the post, “That’s a no for me 😎.”
commodores
The Commodores kept their announcement short when they pulled out of the festival.
The Commodores’ official Instagram page posted, “The Commodores will not be performing at the Great American State Fair.”
“Our music has always been our voice, and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party. We support the upliftment of all Americans.”
Milli Vanilli
It is unclear at this time whether Milli Vanilli will perform at Freedom 250. Band members have expressed different positions after being first announced as part of the lineup.
Jodi Rocco, one of the group’s original studio vocalists, told The Associated Press that neither she nor any other members were asked to perform.
However, frontman Fab Morvan confirmed he would be performing and embraced the event’s patriotic message.
“I’m here to entertain and unite people, not to divide,” Morvan said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate life and music and take a trip down memory lane.”
Who is still expected to perform at the Freedom 250?
C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory will continue to perform, but frontman Freedom Williams said he had originally planned to quit the show after learning of President Trump’s involvement.
Williams, who claimed on his Instagram reel that he doesn’t support the current president, decided to go live to prove angry fans who threatened to “cancel” him wrong.
In an explicit upload, Williams slammed people who tried to tell him which concerts he could and couldn’t perform at.
vanilla ice cream
Despite the backlash from fans, Vanilla Ice stands by the event.
A representative for the rapper told The Associated Press that he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”
“Everyone is welcome to join us and celebrate America’s birthday and our freedoms!” the spokesperson added.
flow rider
Flo Rida is scheduled to take the stage at the Great American State Fair on July 2nd, but the rapper has yet to speak out about the event.
Many angry fans are asking the Grammy nominee to clarify his political stance in the comments on his Instagram.
“So are you going to perform for Trump?” one person wrote. “MAGA sellout,” another added.
