Several 1980s and 1990s Acts Withdraw From Great American State Fair

Country singer Martina McBride and funk band The Commodores withdrew from the Great American State Fair on Thursday, citing concerns over its political ties. Their exits follow similar decisions by Young MC and Morris Day and The Time, leaving six of the original nine acts on the schedule.

McBride posted on social media that she had been told the June 25 performance would be nonpartisan and focused on celebrating all 50 states. She said details changed on Wednesday and she no longer felt the event matched the description given to her.

The Commodores stated they would not publicly affiliate with any single political party. Young MC wrote that artists were never informed of political involvement and referenced a Spin Magazine description of the event as Trump-backed. C+C Music Factory initially considered withdrawing but reversed course after receiving backlash, according to an Instagram post.

Milli Vanilli and Flo Rida remain listed among the performers.

And is free with advance registration encouraged. Organizers describe it as one of several events tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States. Freedom 250, the group overseeing the fair, was created by presidential task force to coordinate the semiquincentennial.

Its CEO, Keith Krauch, previously credited President Donald Trump with launching the organization. >"President Donald J. Trump pledged that our nation’s 250th birthday would be celebrated in a way worthy of our history, our values, and our future," said Krach.

Vanilla Ice is the only remaining performer who has publicly confirmed continued participation as of Friday morning. No replacement acts have been announced. Bret Michaels is also still listed on the current schedule.