Ludacris Removed From ‘Rock the Country’ After Broiling Backlash

Photo Credit: Ludacris (Instagram)

Ludacris is no longer on the bill for the 2026 Rock the Country music festival after backlash from fans, but Nelly is still set to perform.

Kid Rock’s Rock the Country music festival has removed rapper Ludacris from the lineup with no announcement. Organizers confirmed the news when the eight-location event posted its scheduled performers for the shows planned from May to September, with the rapper’s name suddenly absent. Previously, Ludacris appeared on the bill alongside fellow rapper Nelly, and country acts like Jelly Roll and Blake Shelton.

According to a representative for the 48-year-old rapper in a statement to Rolling Stone, Ludacris’ initial inclusion on the schedule was just a “mix-up.”

“Lines got crossed, and he wasn’t supposed to be on there,” they said.

After Ludacris’ name was first announced on the festival lineup, lots of fans started voicing their displeasure on social media.

“I’m so disappointed in you, Luda,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “You were my favorite, and I thought I wouldn’t have to worry about you getting wrapped up in this type of nonsense.”

“Wtf, better cancel that concert if you want to keep your fans,” wrote another. “Don’t be on the wrong side of history. No paycheck is worth it.”

“Not even disappointed anymore; I just know everybody has a certain number that they will be anything for,” a third fan expressed.

Rock the Country was launched in 2024 by headliner and MAGA supporter Kid Rock, who headlines this year’s event alongside fellow Trump inauguration performer Jason Aldean. While the festival isn’t explicitly a political event, it definitely boasts its share of political statements and Trump-related attire, leaving fans of artists like Ludacris understandably apprehensive.

Besides Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, the 2026 Rock the Country lineup also features Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Hank Williams Jr., Ella Langley, Shinedown, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Nelly, who also performed at the 2024 event, is still slated to appear at this year’s festival. The rapper notably performed at President Trump’s inauguration last year.

The music festival hits eight towns across the United States, beginning May 1-2 in Belleville, Texas, and wrapping on September 11-12 in Hamburg, New York.