'I’m just here to celebrate the country I was born in': Vanilla Ice stays on lineup for Freedom 250 celebration

Rapper Vanilla Ice says he still plans to perform at the upcoming Great American State Fair, the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, even as several other scheduled performers have flaked.

The artist, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, told CBS News that his participation is focused on commemorating the country's milestone anniversary rather than politics. “It’s simple as a pimple for me, there’s nothing to it. It’s the birthday of America,” he said.

The 16-day Great American State Fair is scheduled to run from June 25 through July 10 as part of the broader America 250 initiative. Freedom 250, which President Donald Trump launched last year, describes itself as a “national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday.”

Van Winkle said he was puzzled by efforts to frame the event through a political lens. “Two hundred and fifty years. It’s not anything to do with politics. I don’t know why they’re turning it into politics,” he told CBS, adding that he has “never voted.”

He also said, “You should do whatever you feel like doing and express yourself. That’s what music is.” CBS reported that Van Winkle added, “I’d go play for anybody. Putin. Whoever. You want — I’d go to Iran. Don’t matter.”

He told Fox News, "This is for everybody. This is not a one-sided party, man! This is a 90's party, American party 250, come out and enjoy it, everybody’s invited."

In a separate interview with CNN, the performer said he was “proud to be an American” and “honored” to take part in the event despite what he described as ongoing “tension.” “It shouldn’t be that music is dragged into politics,” he said. Several artists previously announced they would no longer appear at the celebration, including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Young MC, Morris Day, and the Commodores.

Van Winkle said he understood why some performers chose not to participate, suggesting they may be concerned about criticism on social media. “For me, I’m just here to celebrate the country I was born in,” he said. Last week, the rapper posted a video on Instagram promoting the event. “Super honoured to do this concert with everybody,” he said. “We’re going back to the 90s, put your dancing shoes on, you’ll be happy, trust me.”

Van Winkle wrote: “This is to bring us all together. I’m tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one. This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday. Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories. Hope you guys can join us.”

Following reports that some performers had withdrawn, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was considering replacing portions of the entertainment lineup with an “AMERICA IS BACK Rally” in Washington, D.C. “I understand Artists are getting ‘the yips’ having to do with their performance,” Trump wrote.