Vanilla Ice is set to perform at Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., on June 26, 2026, standing firm despite an exodus of artists who withdrew from the lineup after the event was announced.
Quick Facts
- Vanilla Ice performs at the Great American State Fair on June 26, 2026, on the National Mall
- Several artists withdrew, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Morris Day and the Time, Young MC, and The Commodores
- The Fair runs June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall
- Vanilla Ice said he would perform for anyone, calling music universal and non-political
After the Freedom 250 lineup was announced, multiple performers pulled out, citing concerns about the event’s affiliation and claiming they had been misled about its nature. Martina McBride called the promotion surrounding the concert “misleading,” and other acts followed suit within days.
Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, rejected those concerns in interviews with CBS News and Page Six. “It’s the birthday of America. Two hundred and fifty years,” he said. “It’s not anything to do with politics. I don’t know why they’re turning it into politics.” He emphasized that he’s “never voted in my life” and views the event as a celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary rather than a partisan affair.
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The rapper defended his choice to participate despite the backlash. “Music is not political, it’s universal,” he told Page Six. He said entertainers should not pick their fans—fans pick them—and added that he would perform for any audience. “I’d go play for anybody. Putin. Whoever. You want—I’d go to Iran. Don’t matter,” he said, emphasizing that performing is simply his job as an entertainer.
The Great American State Fair, organized by Freedom 250, will occupy the National Mall from June 25 through July 10. According to Freedom 250, the event will include “state and territory pavilions celebrating all 56 states and territories, specialty exhibits, live performances, interactive experiences, and classic fair attractions.” Still on the bill alongside Vanilla Ice are Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory, and Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan.
Sources
- CBS News — Vanilla Ice interview on his commitment to perform and his views on music and politics
- Page Six — Vanilla Ice’s defense of his participation and comments on the artist withdrawals
- The New York Times — Confirmation of artist withdrawals including Young MC, Morris Day, and Martina McBride
- Freedom 250 Events — Event date, venue, and description of the Great American State Fair
