Vanilla Ice Stands by Freedom 250 Concert as Performers Withdraw

This week, Vanilla Ice voiced his support for the Freedom 250 concert, which is meant to celebrate America’s significant birthday, after several performers stepped away, claiming they felt their music shouldn’t involve politics.

The rapper confirmed on Friday that he will still take the stage at President Trump’s Freedom 250 Presents: Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. This came after Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and a few other artists were unexpectedly removed from the event’s lineup.

“I’m here to party with America. Music unites people, and that’s our goal. We’re here to represent the ’90s,” said the artist behind “Ice Ice Baby.”

The 58-year-old, known as Robert Van Winkle, expressed that this occasion is more about celebration than politics. “I don’t vote, so it doesn’t really matter to me. If Biden were to reach out saying, ‘My daughter’s getting married, and I need some Vanilla Ice,’ then I’d be there. It’s not a big deal,” he said.

“You play for the fans. They choose us, not the other way around. I’d play for Putin or Iran if the fans were there. They’re everywhere,” he noted.

“Music isn’t political; it’s universal,” he added.

Vanilla Ice brushed off the backlash surrounding the concert and the artists opting out.

“Just enjoy the dance. Don’t take it too seriously. We’re entertainers, after all,” he mentioned. “People should just get out there and dance. It’s just music; why make a fuss about it? We’re entertainers, plain and simple.”

Earlier, he had performed at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort during a New Year’s Eve event in Palm Beach, Florida.

He also expressed his excitement about being part of this celebration in an Instagram video, stating he felt “honored.” “America is marking its 250th anniversary. Let’s go,” he exclaimed, urging everyone to put on their dancing shoes.

“It’s about celebrating 250 years of history, from George Washington to today—every president and everything in between,” he elaborated.

In a post, he wrote: “Happy 250th Anniversary to America. We’re gearing up for an epic party. This is about uniting us all.”

He emphasized that this isn’t a platform for politics—it’s simply a celebration of America’s birthday. “It’s all about fun, dancing, and making great memories,” he said.

His statements came after several artists opted out of the Freedom 250 concert, citing concerns over the event following this week’s lineup announcement.

Country singer Martina McBride withdrew the day after the lineup was made public, saying the promotion for the concert felt “misleading.” Other artists, including Bret Michaels and Young MC, also backed out.

Aside from Vanilla Ice, the schedule includes performers like Flo Rida, C+C Music Factory, and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli.

Freedom 250, initiated by President Trump last year, describes itself as a “national, nonpartisan organization” leading the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Freedom 250 concert is part of the Great American State Fair, a free festival happening from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.