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In an unexpected turn of events, country music sensation Martina McBride has withdrawn from the Freedom 250 concert series, a decision made just a day after the announcement of the event. McBride cited concerns over misleading information about the nature of the event, which was intended to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
Initially scheduled to perform at the President Trump-linked “Freedom 250 Presents: The Great American State Fair,” McBride was set to partake in a 16-day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival promised a lineup of concerts, military honors, and various patriotic festivities.
Taking to Instagram, McBride explained her decision, stating, “I was presented with the opportunity to perform at what was described as a nonpartisan event, but that turned out to be misleading.”
She further elaborated, “I asked numerous questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan celebration that aimed to honor all 50 states. The idea of uniting people through music seemed like a wonderful way to celebrate the states.”
However, McBride noted a shift in the event’s presentation, saying, “Yesterday things started changing, and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.” Her departure underscores the complexities artists face when political affiliations enter the realm of national celebrations.
“I’ve spent my entire career singing about real people with real issues. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one.”
“It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case,” she added.
McBride had been scheduled to perform on June 25, the opening night of the festival, which is designed to celebrate America’s history, culture and music.
Her exit aligned with a handful of other cancellations after the lineup was unveiled this week, with Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & The Time and The Commodores also backing out.
Michaels echoed McBride’s comments in an Instagram post Thursday night.
“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,” 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.”
But several acts are still enthusiastically on board — including Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and C+C Music Factory.
There was some confusion after Milli Vanilli was announced to perform at the festival. However, singer Jodie Rocco — one of the original studio vocalists behind the group — told the Associated Press that neither she nor any other member had been asked to appear.
But surviving Milli Vanilli frontman Fab Morvan confirmed he plans to perform and embraced the event’s patriotic message.
“I am here to entertain and unite people, not divide them,” Morvan said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane.”
Vanilla Ice is also standing by the event. A rep for the rapper told the Associated Press he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!”
“Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!” the rep added.
Freedom 250 was launched by Trump last year and describes itself as a “national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday.” Former State Department official Keith Krach was appointed CEO.
The Great American State Fair runs June 25 through July 10 and will include concerts, state showcases and special programming including Military & Veterans Appreciation Day, Faith Values and Inspiration Day and MAHA Monday, focused on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative.