Another shakeup hit the 2026 Iowa State Fair’s live-music lineup when country music star Colt Ford announced he was canceling his show.
The “Farmboy” singer recently announced he underwent shoulder surgery after he and his crew were a part of a car crash in Europe earlier this month.
“One minute you’re headed to Germany for a show and prepping for [a] single release, the next thing you know your Bus is in the ditch and you’re getting pulled through a windshield with a broken shoulder by First Responders,” Ford wrote in an Aug. 12 Instagram post.
Ford’s cancellation comes days after Rod Stewart withdrew from his Aug. 14 Iowa State Fair Grandstand performance because of health issues. The fair replaced Stewart with a free performance by singer John Waite.
“Colt is incredibly grateful for all of the prayers, messages and support he’s received, “Ford’s team said in an Aug. 14 statement. “We know he hates missing any opportunity to be on stage with his fans, but right now, his health and recovery have to come first.
Who is replacing Colt Ford at the Iowa State Fair?
Ford was scheduled to perform at the Iowa State Fair’s free MidAmerican Energy Stage on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The Iowa State Fair announced Aug. 16 that country-rock singer Sterling Elza will fill in for Ford.
Here is the updated concert schedule for the MidAmerican Energy Stage at the 2026 Iowa State Fair:
USA TODAY reporter Amaris Encinas contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair taps Sterling Elza after Colt Ford Injury
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
