Rapper Ludacris confronted intense backlash from followers earlier this week after his identify was noticed within the lineup for this yr’s “Rock the Nation” pageant. Fellow rapper Nelly and nation singers, together with Child Rock, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert, had been additionally named as performers.

A few of Ludacris’ greatest followers jumped on the “Cash Maker” artist nearly immediately, slamming the 48-year-old for reportedly agreeing to participate in what some have branded a conservative occasion. Days later, Luda’s identify disappeared from the lineup, and his supervisor launched an announcement, calling the scenario a “mix-up.”

Following the up to date assertion, some social media customers have rushed to defend Ludacris from the criticism, saying that whereas they won’t agree with a number of the artists included within the occasion, they do not see how his inclusion within the pageant meant he was endorsing conservatives or Republican ideologies.

The “Rock the Nation” pageant is an eight-stop tour working from Could to September. In response to the pageant’s web site, the live performance is “greater than only a pageant, it is a celebration of group, custom, and the spirit that is carried America by way of 250 years.”

Rolling Stone reported earlier this week that Ludacris’ identify was a part of the lineup, together with fellow rapper Nelly. Nonetheless, after receiving backlash, Luda’s identify was faraway from the lineup, and his rep confirmed the change in a latest assertion, calling his inclusion a “mix-up.”

“Traces received crossed and he wasn’t alleged to be on there,” the rep shared.

On social media, customers flooded Ludacris’ Instagram remark part with essential posts about his reported involvement within the “Rock the Nation” pageant.

“You are performing in that lame a** maga ‘rock the folks’ pageant???” a person wrote, per The Shade Room. “Actually???? Child freaking rock is headlining. So embarrassing, dude. Atlanta is disenchanted in you for this. Thought you had been higher than that. You’ve got misplaced contact with humanity.”

One other person wrote, “Wow. That fall to the underside was loud. All of us heard it.”

“Sh-t actually made me unhappy,” a 3rd person posted. “Would by no means decide you for a promote out — d-mn Luda.”

The suggestions wasn’t all unhealthy, although, as another followers rushed to defend the “Transfer B-tch” performer after studying he was now not a part of the lineup.

“Forcing politics on somebody is kinda loopy,” a person wrote, whereas one other mentioned, “Keep in mind what Lizzo mentioned. There can be extra to come back after Nicki Minaj!”

“No LUDACRIS slander will ever be tolerated,” one other person wrote. “Actually probably the greatest people on our planet!”

A 3rd shared, “I am no MAGA supporter in any respect. However the place does it say this can be a MAGA occasion? Asking genuinely.”

This is not the primary time a Black artist has confronted backlash for seemingly aligning with conservative celebrities or ideologies, based on The Blast.

Nelly, who continues to be scheduled to carry out within the “Rock the Nation” pageant, confronted a firestorm of criticism in early 2025 after it was revealed he’d carry out at certainly one of President Donald Trump’s inaugural balls.

Customers said how “past disgusted” they had been by Nelly’s determination, whereas others mentioned his actions had been like “saying f–k you to the black group.”

Nelly fired again, although, saying that his participation within the occasion had nothing to do with politics. “You didn’t see me on the market saying you need to vote for this candidate,” he mentioned. “However I’m honored to be on the market performing for the Workplace, for the President of the USA.”