Rapper Cancels Performance at Upstate NY Music Festival
A well-known rapper has withdrawn from a cross-country music festival that is scheduled to visit Upstate New York. Rock the Country made public its roster for 2026, featuring a mix of country, rock, and hip-hop performers such as Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Hank Williams Jr., Brooks & Dunn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creed, Shinedown, Nelly, and Ludacris. The festival will span eight two-day shows with varying line-ups in eight distinct “small towns,” with a stop on Sept. 11-12 in Hamburg, N.Y.
However, Ludacris’ name was eradicated from the list on Friday following backlash from fans who criticized the event due to some artists openly supporting President Donald Trump and aligning with MAGA’s political interests. The festival was marketed as a celebration of “250 years of freedom,” as this year signifies the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence.
Fans expressed confusion and disappointment, with one Instagram user asking Ludacris to clarify his decision, comparing him to other artists like Kanye West and Snoop Dogg who have faced public scrutiny for their affiliations. The singer was urged to issue a statement or cancel his contract within 48 hours. A representative for Ludacris later stated to Rolling Stone that there was a misunderstanding, confirming that he was never intended to be part of the lineup.
Rock the Country also confirmed that Ludacris would not be performing, coinciding with the start of ticket sales. Despite Ludacris not appearing at the event in Hamburg, the lineup for Friday, Sept. 11, features Hank Williams Jr., Chris Janson, and a headlining act to be announced later, while Saturday, Sept. 12, will showcase Kid Rock, Gavin Adcock, and Nelly.
Tickets for the festival are currently available through Ticketmaster, with fans having the option to compare prices on Vivid Seats, StubHub, and SeatGeek. Known for hits like “What’s Your Fantasy,” “Rollout (My Business),” “Saturday (Oooh Oooh),” and others, Ludacris, whose real name is Chris Bridges, has collaborated with prominent artists such as Justin Bieber, Usher, Missy Elliott, and more. Apart from his music career, Bridges is recognized for his roles in movies and TV series like the “Fast and Furious” franchise, having drawn massive crowds during his performances at the New York State Fair on two occasions.