Vanilla Ice is doubling down on his patriotic message, declaring that he will always “raise the flag” at his concerts — no matter the criticism, as reported [1] by Page Six.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 58-year-old rapper explained that he was proud to perform at America 250’s Great American State Fair and surprised by the controversy surrounding it.
He said it was “kinda shocking” that people could not celebrate the nation’s anniversary without backlash.
The rapper insisted that his participation was not political, describing the event as a celebration of American pride. “Man, I raise the flag at every concert I go to,” he said, adding that he honors what the country has endured over 250 years.
Vanilla Ice credited close friends and colleagues, many of whom are Marines, with deepening his sense of patriotism. “They teach me the code of ethics,” he said. “They teach how, what it’s like to be a real American.”
He emphasized that the event represents freedom and unity. “It’s part of the fun that we are allowed to do these things and enjoy our freedom, and come together,” he explained.
Responding to the criticism surrounding his appearance at the President Trump-supported event, Vanilla Ice stressed that he is an entertainer, not a political figure. He said it was unfair for artists to be caught up in political debates when their role is to perform.
“I think people are taking everything too serious,” he said. “Music brings people together, and that’s what it’s all about.”
After the May 29 lineup announcement, multiple artists — including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, the Commodores, and Morris Day — withdrew from the concert series. Their decisions amplified the controversy, though Vanilla Ice said it only solidified his commitment to perform.
He expressed empathy for those who backed out, acknowledging that they may have wanted to avoid public pressure. “They have to feel that heat,” he said, adding that he respected their individual choices.
At the same time, he affirmed his own stance, saying, “I’m gonna celebrate my country, and I don’t think anybody should tell me I shouldn’t.”
In a separate interview with Martha MacCallum on “The Story with Martha MacCallum,” Vanilla Ice said he refused to cancel his appearance because he did not like being told he could not express pride in his country.
He declared, “I’m born here. I’m raised here. I’m proud of it. I represent it everywhere I go.” He described it as disappointing that artists felt pressured to withdraw from a celebration that should unite people.
Vanilla Ice first shared his enthusiasm in May through an Instagram post, announcing that he was “honored” to perform and promising to “bring back the 90s.” He told fans that the concert would be an “epic party” focused on unity rather than politics.
His message concluded with a reminder of togetherness: “We are all one. This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday.”
Vanilla Ice says concerts should be about celebrating America and bringing people together.
The rapper told Fox News Digital he’s proud to honor the country’s veterans by raising the American flag at every show, adding that music is meant to unite people, not divide them. pic.twitter.com/Ijm8lLEx9b [2]
— Fox News Entertainment (@FoxNewsEnt) July 1, 2026 [3]
Throughout the controversy, the rapper has consistently positioned himself as a proud American artist refusing to mix patriotism with politics, determined to keep his flag flying high on stage.