Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair has announced that Shaboozey, a rising star in the music industry, will headline the Grandstand on Sunday, August 18. Shaboozey is known for his work in both alternative country and hip-hop genres. He was born to Nigerian parents and raised in Woodbridge, Virginia. His musical influences include a diverse range of artists from classic hip-hop and R&B to country legends like Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.

Shaboozey's career gained momentum in March 2024 with two features on Beyoncé's album, making him the only artist with multiple appearances on it. His latest album debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and received praise for "bring[ing] hip-hop grit to country." The single "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" achieved significant success, becoming two-time RIAA-certified platinum and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track contributed to Shaboozey and Beyoncé making history as the first Black artists to achieve consecutive leaders on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Tickets for Shaboozey's performance will be available starting Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Prices range from $20 to $85 depending on seating preferences, with an additional $30 Pre-Show Party ticket option.

Other performances at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand include Keith Urban with MacKenzie Porter on August 9, Motley Crue with Phil X and The Drills on August 10, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with Ashley McBryde on August 11, Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke on August 13, Lil Wayne on August 14, Jonas Brothers on August 15, The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS on August 16, Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock on August 17.

The Illinois State Fair will take place from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield.