Ludacris has dropped off the Rock the Country traveling festival tour.
A representative for the Atlanta rapper told Rolling Stone that there was “a mix-up” about Luda’s inclusion on the lineup. “Lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there,” the rep claimed.
Upon the festival’s announcement, Ludacris faced backlash from some critics over its perceived political leanings. While Rock the Country doesn’t have an explicit affiliation, festival headliner Kid Rock is one of Donald Trump’s most visible supporters, and the president introduced his headlining set at the event last year. Jason Aldean, who also tops the bill, is another noted Trump supporter.
“It’s this simple. Rock The Country isn’t just a music festival; it’s a movement,” said Kid Rock of the Rock the Country in a statement. “In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music, and the party of the year”.
Rock the Country will visit eight small cities across the America throughout spring and summer, featuring a rotating lineup of acts that also includes Creed, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Riley Green, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ludacris wasn’t the only rapper listed on the initial bill: Nelly, who performed at Trump’s 2025 inauguration, remains in the lineup.
