After more than half of artists originally scheduled to perform at this summer’s Great American State Fair concert withdrew, rapper Vanilla Ice has remained committed to the event—a celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday. During a CNN appearance, the artist emphasized his unyielding patriotism: “I’m proud to be an American,” he stated. “I was born and raised here. This is my country, and I don’t like anyone telling me I can’t be proud of it.”

Vanilla Ice described the concert as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and dismissed efforts by critics to frame it as political: “It’s not anything to do with politics,” he said in an interview with CBS News. The artist, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, added that he has “never voted in my life” and viewed the event simply as a celebration of his heritage: “For me, I’m just here to celebrate the country I was born in.”

Vanilla Ice acknowledged concerns about political backlash but insisted artists who chose not to attend were acting out of fear rather than principle. “They’re scared,” he said. “But for me? I don’t even know where I’m going—I just go, ‘Where am I going?’” He also dismissed accusations that he had been misled by organizers, stating: “When I play events, I never ask about them.”

The Great American State Fair, initially intended as a unifying gathering for Americans regardless of political affiliation, has seen significant lineup reductions. As of now, the event remains technically active but has lost half its original performers. Vanilla Ice is the only artist among those still confirmed to perform, alongside Flo Rida, Fab Morvan (of Milli Vanilli), and C+C Music Factory via Freedom Williams.

Artists who have withdrawn include Morris Day and The Time, Young MC, Martina McBride, The Commodores, and Bret Michaels of Poison. President Trump has suggested replacing the concert with a rally if the event fails to maintain unity—a proposal that remains under discussion as the lineup shrinks.