Rappers Ludacris and Nelly are facing criticism online after being announced as performers for the 2026 festival “Rock the Country,” also nicknamed the “MAGA Music Fest.” The festival features a country-heavy lineup with headliners like Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, who are known for their right-leaning political views. Ludacris and Nelly are the only non-country artists scheduled to perform, sparking debate about their participation.
Internet Criticizes Ludacris and Nelly’s MAGA Festival Booking
Ludacris is set to perform in Anderson, South Carolina, alongside rock bands Creed and Shinedown, and in Ocala, Florida, with country stars Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn. Nelly is scheduled to perform in Hamburg, New York, sharing the stage with Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr. Though the festival does not explicitly promote politics, The New York Times described it as a “vision of the MAGA movement in pure party mode,” comparing the shows to Trump rallies even without Trump’s presence.
Fans quickly reacted on social media, expressing disappointment over the rappers’ involvement. Many pointed out that Nelly has previously faced criticism for performing at Trump’s inauguration and for defending his participation in patriotic events. Ludacris, on the other hand, has publicly supported Democratic and progressive causes in the past, including endorsing Barack Obama and Hill Harper. Social media users questioned why both artists would participate in an event closely linked to right-wing politics.
Some fans argued that financial gain should not come at the cost of public image or values. One user wrote, “All money is not good money. Ludacris, Nelly, I’m not surprised by, should’ve thought long and hard before being a part of this. Whatever they’re offering, they can get tenfold elsewhere.” Others compared the backlash to criticism faced by other Black artists, like Nicki Minaj and Chrisette Michelle, who faced public shaming for political associations.
Despite the criticism, it is possible that the bookings were purely professional. Both Ludacris and Nelly have long careers that include collaborations across music genres, including country and pop. Still, fans are watching closely, debating whether artists should consider political implications when choosing where to perform. This controversy shows how public perception and political associations can affect even long-established musicians in today’s climate.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
