Martina McBride Quits June 25 State Fair Show, Citing Misleading Nonpartisan Claim
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Martina McBride Quits June 25 State Fair Show, Citing Misleading Nonpartisan Claim
16 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
Martina McBride said Thursday she will not perform at the Great American State Fair on June 25 after concluding the event she accepted as nonpartisan had become something else.
In a social media statement, the country singer said she was told the show would celebrate all 50 states and resemble other state fairs she has played, but "things started changing."
Backlash flared online almost immediately, with critics calling her a coward and accusing her of hypocrisy by contrasting the withdrawal with her 2009 White House performance under Barack Obama.
The exit adds to a widening artist pullout: Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day and the Time, and C+C Music Factory have also withdrawn, while Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice remain on the bill.
The fair is scheduled for June 25 to July 10 on Washington's National Mall as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration, but artist departures have kept attention on its political overtones.
When artists exit a national celebration, who is responsible for the communication breakdown?
Can event technology prevent controversies by ensuring total transparency for performers?
What management missteps can cause a major national event to unravel before it even begins?