Updated May 28, 2026 — Washington — Several artists announced for a high-profile concert series tied to this summer’s Freedom 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., have withdrawn or denied participation soon after the lineup was released. Freedom 250, a bipartisan nonprofit organizing events for the nation’s 250th anniversary, unveiled an initial roster of acts Wednesday for the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. By that evening, at least two performers had said they would not appear.
Morris Day’s official social media account posted that he would not perform, and Young MC also told his agents he would not take part, saying he was surprised by reported political ties to the event and preferred to appear at a nonpolitical celebration in the future. Organizers have described the festival as nonpartisan, while some media outlets have characterized it as having ties to President Trump’s push for a big birthday celebration.
The initial lineup also listed Milli Vanilli. One half of the original duo, Rob Pilatus, died in 1998; Fab Morvan is alive. Jodie Rocco, who has said she provided vocals for the group, told The Associated Press she and her sister were not contacted and were surprised to see the Milli Vanilli name on the bill.
Vanilla Ice, however, is confirmed to perform. His management said he is contracted to appear at the Great American Fair on Friday, June 26, and that he looks forward to joining the anniversary festivities. Other acts included in the announcement are Martina McBride, C+C Music Factory, Flo Rida, The Commodores and Bret Michaels. CBS News reached out to all artists listed to confirm their participation.
Freedom 250 said the initiative is nonpartisan and aims to bring Americans together around the country’s 250th anniversary. A spokesperson described the organization’s focus as staging signature events and programming that honor history and engage a broad audience. The group’s commissioners include members of both major political parties, and organizers say plans for the anniversary predate the current administration even as the president has promoted expanded celebrations.
The Great American State Fair is scheduled to run 16 days on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10. Freedom 250 says the event will showcase all states and territories in a world-fair style format, with exhibits, cultural programming and nightly mainstage musical performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.