NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rock the Country, the country music festival launched in 2024, revealed its 2026 artist lineup on Monday, marking another year of major names and political ties within the genre. Kid Rock once again headlines the festival, joined by fellow country star Jason Aldean and a diverse collection of undercard artists, including Creed, Shinedown, Gavin Adcock, Brantley Gilbert, and Nelly.

However, one name that created a stir was initially included on the lineup. Rapper Ludacris was set to perform, but a representative confirmed his absence after fan backlash over the artist’s perceived affiliation with politically charged events. A spokesperson for the festival noted the rapper’s name was listed by mistake and referred inquiries to Ludacris’s team, which clarified the mix-up.

The announcement sparked significant reaction on social media, with fans voicing confusion and disappointment. One Instagram user expressed disbelief over Ludacris being part of a festival connected to MAGA ideology, urging the artist to clarify his involvement. Another comment pointed out past controversies regarding Ludacris, referencing images of him wearing outfits associated with the Confederate flag, which sparked criticism and distrust among fans.

While Ludacris will not perform, Nelly, who also took the stage at the inaugural Rock the Country fest, remains on the lineup. Nelly previously played at Donald Trump’s inauguration, citing his military background and connection to service when justifying his performance. “I love this country,” he said at the time, reinforcing his choice to perform regardless of the political climate.

Despite the festival not being overtly political, it has garnered political statements from various artists since its inception. In a past performance, Adcock offered a scathing critique of President Joe Biden, eliciting both applause and controversy from audience members. Last year, former President Trump even introduced Kid Rock’s set via video, demonstrating the political undertones that accompany the festival’s programming.

Alongside Kid Rock and Aldean, this year’s lineup boasts prominent country names including Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Hank Williams Jr., Ella Langley, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The festival will tour eight cities across the U.S., kicking off the weekend of May 1-2 in Belleville, Texas. The presence of mainstream stars like Jelly Roll and Shelton highlights the ongoing relationship between Nashville’s music scene and political sentiments, particularly a growing embrace of the MAGA movement that has emerged since Trump’s presidency.

As the festival approaches, the combination of big names and political affiliations promises to keep fans engaged, presenting both entertainment and a platform for discourse. The changing dynamics of country music continue to reflect broader social and political trends, making Rock the Country a focal point in the intertwining worlds of music and politics.