NEED TO KNOW
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Six of the nine originally announced musical acts have pulled out of The Great American State Fair in May 2026.
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Some, such as Martina McBride, argued that the event was "misleading" and presented as non-partisan.
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President Donald Trump announced that he will replace the canceled performances as the headliner.
Days after the Great American State Fair's music lineup was announced, several performers withdrew from the event. Some, including Bret Michaels and Martina McBride, claimed the multi-day celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary wasn't as fair-minded as they'd been led to believe.
«"Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has turned into something far more controversial than I agreed to," Michaels wrote in an Instagram statement announcing his departure. "Concerns have also been raised for the safety of my fans, band, crew, family, and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and inexcusable.".
Freedom 250, the organization planning the fair, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by President Donald Trump's executive order in December 2025 to organize administration events, CBS News reports. While he doesn't chair the group, he chairs its working group and announced he will headline the event after some speakers were canceled.
Of the nine initially announced participants, six have confirmed they will no longer participate in the festival. Here's everything you need to know about those who have dropped out of Freedom 250 and what they said about their decisions.
Morris Day and Time«
Morris Day of The Time performs at the Guitar Center Music Foundation's 4th Annual Gala on September 11, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Michael Tullberg/Getty
On May 27, Morris Day announced on Instagram that his funk band Morris Day and The Time would not be performing at the Great American State Fair.
«"Contrary to rumors, Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the Great American State Fair," the singer wrote in a message, accompanied by a red "No Trespassing" sign emoji.
Day added in the caption: "This is unacceptable to me 😎.".
Young MC
Young MC performs on the Northlights stage during the third day of the K-Days festival in Edmonton. Photo: Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty
Rapper Young MC confirmed to his fans on Facebook that he informed his agents of his unwillingness to participate in the event organized by Freedom 250, noting that artists were "never informed of any political involvement.".
The "Bust a Move" singer added that "despite organizers' claims that the event is non-partisan," media outlets are describing it as "Trump-backed.".
Young MC concluded by sharing his hopes to perform in the Washington, D.C., area soon, "at an event that won't have such a strong political message.".
C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory at the 2nd Billboard Music Awards on December 3, 1991, in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty
Grammy Award-winning dance band C+C Music Factory followed suit, with frontman Freedom Williams claiming in a since-deleted Instagram video that Trump's participation in the event was never mentioned.
«"About three months ago, my agent called me and said, 'Do you want to do a show in Washington on the 25th?' He didn't mention Trump," Williams says in the eight-minute video. "So I told my agent, 'No, I can't do that.'".
Commodores
In a post on their official Instagram page, The Commodores, currently comprised of William King, Cody Orange, Colin Orange, and Brent Carter, confirmed that they will not be performing at the Great American State Fair.
«"Our music has always been our voice, and we have chosen not to publicly identify with any political party," the band said in a statement. "We support improving the lives of all Americans.".
Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels performs at the 2026 Extra Innings festival on February 27, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona. Photo: John Medina/Getty
The former Poison frontman also shared the reasons for his "difficult decision to withdraw" from the Freedom 250 event on Instagram, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other artists about the festival's handling.
«When my team was first presented with this opportunity, it was described as a celebration of our country, infused with music, and a chance to honor our veterans, service members, first responders, teachers, and hardworking Americans from all walks of life,» Michaels wrote.
He added that the event later "turned into something much more controversial" than he had originally agreed to. The singer explained that his decision was "not political," but rather a desire to "stay true to my convictions" and allow people to have their own opinions, beyond safety concerns.
Martina McBride
Martina McBride performs during "The Music of My Life: A Star-Studded Tribute to Anne Murray" on October 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty
On May 28, the singer, known for her hit "Independence Day," also announced on Instagram that she had withdrawn from the event, writing that she had been misled into believing it was a "non-political event.".
«"I asked a lot of questions and was assured that it was a nonpartisan event designed to celebrate ALL 50 states," McBride continued, adding that the festival initially seemed "well-intentioned.".
She said "things started to change" the day before and what she was told was not true.
«"I've spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real problems," McBride wrote. "I've been fortunate to be a voice for those who felt like they didn't have one. It upsets me deeply that any fan who was touched by my music might now think I'm abandoning the meaning of those songs. I assure you, that's not the case.".
Fabrice Morvan of Milli Vanilli
Fabrice Morvan attends the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty.
On June 2, Fabrice Morvan of Milli Vanilli told CNN that he would not attend the Great American State Fair because he was "not interested in politics." He said he became concerned about the event after Young MC withdrew, citing being told there was "no political agenda.".
«"I was there to bring people together, to bond, to reminisce, to celebrate life," the French artist and rapper continued. "Some of those who were there were there when my music came out, so it was a way to say, 'Hey, I'm still here, you're still here. Let's have a good time together.' That's what it meant to me.".
Additionally, the band Real Milli Vanilli, consisting of Brad Howell, John Davis, Charles Shaw, Jody Rocco and Linda Rocco, confirmed in a statement given to X on May 28 that they will not be performing at the Great American State Fair.
Read the original article on People.