Some artists drop out of Freedom 250 concerts shortly after lineup released

Politics Some artists drop out of D.C. concert series for America's 250th anniversary shortly after lineup announced By Kathryn Watson Kathryn Watson Politics Reporter Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C. Read Full Bio Kathryn Watson May 28, 2026 / 2:52 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Washington — Some artists who were announced as performers for what's being billed as a Great American State Fair amid President Trump's push for a major American birthday bash this summer in Washington, D.C., dropped out of their appearances shortly after an initial lineup was released.On Wednesday, Freedom 250, a bipartisan nonprofit established to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary in the nation's capital, announced the initial set of artists lined up to perform. But by Wednesday night, two artists had already backed out of or turned down the opportunity. Morris Day of Morris Day and The Time said he won't be performing, contrary to the advertisement. "It's A No For Me," Morris' official Facebook account posted. Young MC, another artist advertised to perform, also said he won't be there. "I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT," he posted on Facebook. "The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged."Vanilla Ice, who is also part of the initial lineup, still plans to perform. "Vanilla Ice is contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair at the National Mall on Friday, June 26," his management agency told CBS News in an email. "He is proud to help celebrate America's 250th Anniversary!  Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA's Birthday and our Freedom!" Milli Vanilli is also advertised as playing, altho...