Vanilla Ice defends Freedom 250 performance as other artists drop out
‘Great honour’: Vanilla Ice says patriotic concert was for ‘uniting’
Vanilla Ice, Rob Van Winkle, talks about his decision to perform at the Great American State Fair to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. He explains the origin of his stage name and emphasizes his patriotism by honoring the army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, police, EMS and firefighters. He emphasizes the unity of the event over politics.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 celebration has become both a huge show of patriotism and, at times, the focus of controversy as some artists backed out of planned performances.
But rapper and entertainer Vanilla Ice stands his ground and makes it clear why he chose to remain in the lineup.
Appearing on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, said he decided to continue his National Mall performance, which was canceled due to bad weather, despite other artists backing out.
VANILLA ICE REFUSES TO GIVE UP ON HER FREEDOM 250 CONCERT, SAYS SHE WON’T LET ANYONE SAY SHE’S ‘NOT PROUD’ OF HER
Despite a wave of criticism, Vanilla Ice has not backed down from his commitment to perform at the Great American State Fair. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Vanilla Ice emphasized that the event is about unity, not division.
“Well, I can only speak for myself and it’s a great honor to come here and play this event for the birthday of our country where I grew up, man, you know?” he told Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo.
WATCH: VANILLA ICE SAYS HIS OVERSEAS CONCERT IS DONE ‘FOR UNITY’
“It’s called the United States of America, and this event is for unity, to unite us. And it’s not, you know, about politics or anything like that. It’s actually about an entertainer coming to entertain all the people of America for America’s birthday.”
Vanilla Ice is “honored” to play the Great American State Fair to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Vanilla Ice made it clear that his focus was on the tribute rather than the controversy.
“I want my fans to walk away from tonight as a very fun, once-in-a-lifetime event. Know your history of how we got here, 250 years. And our main focus is on our military, our Army, our Navy, our Air Force, our Marines, our police, our EMS, our firefighters and even our Space Force.”
And he added: “I’m here to honor them, and I’m here to thank you for bringing us here, to this great country on the planet, for 250 years. And I’m proud to be an American, and I’m honored to be a part of this event.”
DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Vanilla Ice defends Freedom 250’s decision to perform at the Great American State Fair. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
The multi-day America 250 program, supported by organizers under the Freedom 250 initiative, will cover Washington landmarks from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and include military flyovers, concerts, food exhibits and state-themed installations.
It is unclear at this time whether Vanilla Ice’s concert will be rescheduled.
Freedom 250, the nonpartisan group that helps coordinate the broader America 250 effort, said the fair will feature food, games and historical exhibits. (Freedom 250)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
The “Ice, Ice Baby” singer also had a lighthearted moment during the interview, taking a break from her dance training while showing Arroyo how to do the Running Man; It was a moment that underlined the festive atmosphere surrounding the celebration, despite the controversy surrounding it.
America250 events are scheduled to run through July 10, 2026, and organizers are framing the nationwide program as a historic effort to bring Americans together ahead of the nation’s sesquicentennial.
