Ludacris drops out of music festival with Kid Rock after backlash from fans

Entertainment Weekly • January 17, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Ludacris was initially listed as part of the Rock the Country festival lineup but has since been removed, with his representative calling it a "mix-up" and stating he was never meant to be included.
The festival features a mix of country and rap artists, including Nelly, Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and others, and is described as a celebration of community and American tradition.
Some fans expressed disappointment and criticism on social media over Ludacris' supposed involvement, particularly due to the presence of artists associated with Donald Trump.
The Rock the Country festival will run from May 1 through September 2026, with a lineup including Creed, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr