Martina McBride Withdraws from Controversial “Great American State Fair” Concert

The singer joined a wave of artists who have backed out of the event organized by Keith Krach, a Trump appointee.

Following the uproar over the “Great American State Fair” lineup, Martina McBride has added her name to the growing list of musicians withdrawing after discovering the event’s partisan affiliations.

In a statement posted to social media, McBride clarified her position: “I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25th.” She explained that while she was initially presented with what appeared to be a nonpartisan opportunity, the event “turned out to be misleading.”

McBride noted that after asking “lots of questions,” she was told the concert was a nonpartisan celebration of all 50 states. “I thought this would be a wonderful way to honor the states and bring people together through music,” she said. “I imagined it as a larger version of the many state fairs I’ve performed at over the years, celebrating community and each state’s unique character.”

However, as details emerged that the concert series—scheduled from June 25 to July 10—was part of a Trump administration initiative, fans quickly criticized the roster. Morris Day, leader of The Time, declared the show “a no for me,” and other artists such as William King of the Commodores and rapper Young MC followed suit. Young MC told VIBE he “had no clue it was considered a ‘Trump‑backed’ event, so that was new to me.”

McBride emphasized her lifelong commitment to singing about real people and real issues. “I’ve spent my career giving a voice to those who feel unheard,” she wrote. “It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music might think I’m abandoning those values. I assure you, that is not the case.”

Source link