American rapper and singer Vanilla Ice, born Robert Van Winkle, has expressed enthusiasm about performing at the upcoming Great American State Fair, despite a wave of high-profile withdrawals from other artistes.
The concert is part of a nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, organised under the Freedom 250 initiative, a public-private partnership established by President Donald Trump.
Following the announcement of the Washington, D.C. event, several performers, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, The Commodores, Young MC, and Morris Day, reportedly pulled out of the lineup amid growing political controversy surrounding the event.
However, Vanilla Ice, best known for his hit single Ice Ice Baby, has remained committed to the performance. Speaking in a recent interview with TMZ, the 58-year-old said he has no intention of getting involved in political debates.
“I’m here to party with America, man. Music is made to bring people together, and that’s what we are here to do. We’re just gonna represent the Nineties,” he said.
Van Winkle explained that his decision is rooted in celebrating the nation’s milestone rather than making any political statement, adding that his focus remains on his fans and the culture that shaped his career.
“I don’t even vote, so I don’t even care. And if Biden called up and said, ‘My daughter is getting married, we need Vanilla Ice,’ I’d go play,” he added. “You play for your fans. We don’t get a chance to pick our fans; they pick us.”
Vanilla Ice is scheduled to perform at the event next month.
