Ludacris Drops Out of Kid Rock’s “MAGA” Fest After Backlash, Nelly Remains on Lineup

Ludacris is no longer part of the ‘Rock the Country Tour’ after his name briefly appeared on the festival’s newly announced 2026 lineup, sparking swift backlash online.

The Atlanta rapper was listed alongside headliners Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, a pairing that immediately raised eyebrows given the tour’s growing reputation as “MAGA-adjacent.”

Indeed, Rock co-founded the festival and has been all sorts of vocal about hsi MAGA-anchoring.

Fans were quick to question the move, flooding social media with confusion and criticism.

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A rep for the event later confirmed that Luda had been removed from the lineup, directing further questions to his team. His rep clarified that the listing was simply a “mix-up,” explaining that wires were crossed and the rapper was never meant to be included.

Still, the reaction was loud. Some fans expressed disappointment, while others resurfaced past moments, including old stage imagery, to question whether the booking should have come as a surprise.

Meanwhile, Nelly, who performed at the festival’s inaugural 2024 run, remains on the 2026 bill.

The St. Louis native previously defended his decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, citing family military ties and patriotism.

While ‘Rock the Country’ does not officially position itself as political, the festival has repeatedly courted controversy.

With a lineup featuring Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, and more, the tour kicks off May 1 to 2 in Belleville, Texas, continuing its polarizing presence across eight Stateside cities through to August.