‘Great honor’: Vanilla Ice says patriotic concert is for ‘unification’
Vanilla Ice, Rob Van Winkle, discusses his decision to perform at the Great American State Fair to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. He explains the origin of his stage name and emphasizes his patriotism, respect for the military, Navy, Air Force, Marines, police, EMS, and firefighters. He promotes the unity of the event over politics.
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As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 celebration has become a major display of patriotism and, at times, the center of controversy as some artists have pulled out of scheduled performances.
But rapper and entertainer Vanilla Ice is standing firm – and making it clear why he chose to stay on the list.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Vanilla Ice, born Robert Matthew Van Winkle, said he decided to go ahead with the National Mall project, which was eventually canceled due to bad weather, although other artists backed out.
VANILLA ICE SKIPS OUT OF FREEDOM 250 CONCERT, SAYS HE’S NOT GOING TO LET ANYONE TELL HIM HE’S ‘NOT PROUD’
Vanilla Ice did not back down from their commitment to perform at the Great American State Fair despite the wave of criticism. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Vanilla Ice emphasized that the event is about unity, not division.
“Well, I can speak for myself, and this is also a great honor for me to come here to play the birthday party of my country, men, where I grew up, you know?” told Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo.
WATCH: VANILLA ICE SAYS LEAVE CONCERT FOR ‘UNITY’
“It’s called the United States, and this event is made to unite, to bring us together. And that’s what this is about, you know, not politics and everything. It’s really about a guardian who will make all Americans happy on America’s birthday.”
Vanilla Ice was “honored” to play during the Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Vanilla Ice has made it clear that his focus is less about controversy and more about taxation.
“I want my fans to walk away from this evening as a very exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event. Know your history about how we got here, 250 years. And the focus is on our military, our military, our Navy, Air Force, Marines, police, EMS, firefighters and Space Force.”
He added, “I’m here to honor them and say thank you for bringing us here, for 250 years, in this greatest country in the world. And I’m proud to be an American and honored to be a part of this event.”
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Vanilla Ice defends his decision to perform at the Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
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The multi-day America 250 program, supported by organizers under the Freedom 250 program, will span Washington’s landmarks from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and include military flyovers, concerts, food fairs and state-themed installations.
It is not yet clear whether Vanilla Ice’s concert will be rescheduled.
Freedom 250, the nonprofit group that helps coordinate the broader America 250 effort, said the parade will include food, games and historic displays. (Freedom 250)
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The “Ice, Ice Baby” singer also took a moment during the interview, breaking dance instructions as he showed Arroyo how to do the Running Man – a moment that underscored the festive tone surrounding the celebration despite the surrounding debate.
The America250 events are scheduled to continue until July 10, 2026, when organizers plan the national program as a historic effort to bring Americans together ahead of the nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration.
