Jelly Roll Faces Fan Backlash Over Festival Appearance

Country singer Jelly Roll is facing strong backlash from fans after being announced as a headliner for Kid Rock’s 2026 Rock the Country music festival. The Grammy-nominated artist, 41, was revealed earlier this month as one of the main acts for the touring festival, which will visit eight U.S. cities between May and September 2026.

The event is co-founded by Kid Rock, a well-known supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and that association has sparked criticism from Jelly Roll’s fanbase.

Political Concerns Around the Lineup

The festival lineup includes several artists who have openly supported Trump, such as Jason Aldean and Nelly. While Jelly Roll has previously said he does not identify as a Democrat or Republican and cannot vote due to felony convictions, many fans feel his participation signals a political stance.

One fan wrote online, “I can’t believe I defended @jellyroll615 and then this BS. This is a full on MAGA train and I’m so saddened by a lot of these names.” Another commented, “I know very little about Jelly Roll, but he’s always screamed MAGA.” A third added, “Kid Rock, Jason Aldean tells me everything I need to know.”

Another user said, “You would think the minute someone hears ‘Kid Rock’ they’d say ‘f** that.’”*

More Artists and Growing Fallout

In addition to Jelly Roll, the festival will feature Blake Shelton, Creed, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, and Shinedown. Rapper Ludacris was originally listed but was removed after backlash, with his team saying there was a “mix-up” and that “lines got crossed.”

Kid Rock’s Trump Ties Fuel Criticism

Kid Rock recently added to the controversy by posting a photo of himself golfing with Trump, praising the former president in the caption. That public show of support has only intensified criticism toward the festival and artists involved, including Jelly Roll, as fans continue to debate whether music and politics should mix this openly.