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Kid Rock isn’t looking for Hollywood’s approval.
The American rocker told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that his political convictions have cost him corporate opportunities and late-night appearances, but he has no regrets about putting his beliefs first.
Now, as he embraces a new chapter with his faith-inspired album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” the rocker says he’s more concerned with sharing his message than winning back the entertainment industry.
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Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, has publicly supported President Donald Trump. He said the professional fallout has brought something he considers far more valuable — the freedom to speak his mind.
“My relationship with Trump, yeah, that canceled all the, uh, any corporate deals coming my way. I don’t really get invited to be part of, you know, things like the NFL or things like that … all the shows that I was so friendly with over the years, from all the late-night talk shows to my friend Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, I don’t really get invited on there anymore,” he said.
President Donald Trump greets musician Kid Rock as he arrives to a rally in Clarksville, Tenn. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)
“But who’s to say that won’t change … and I honestly, I don’t care.”
The rocker said he expected to lose opportunities when he became more vocal about politics.
“I put my country before pretty much everything except my family and God,” he said. “So, yeah. There’s been things like that, but that’s no sweat off my back.”
WATCH: KID ROCK SAYS SUPPORTING TRUMP ‘CANCELED ALL’ CORPORATE DEALS AND LATE-NIGHT SHOW INVITES
Kid Rock said he no longer has much patience for the corporate maneuvering that once came with his career, particularly when it meant worrying about how his opinions might affect his next opportunity.
“I didn’t enjoy the rat race of the music business. It was very necessary, and I’m glad I did it. And I’m thankful for all the opportunities that got me to where I am today,” he said.
“But the message I’m putting out now is so much more important than any of that.”
Kid Rock told Fox News Digital he anticipated losing opportunities in the entertainment industry after becoming more vocal about his political beliefs, but said the trade-off was worth it. (Kevin Mazur)
Kid Rock said he once felt pressure to watch what he said in the entertainment industry. Now, he enjoys speaking his mind without worrying about the professional consequences.
“And years ago, when I went on this path to be more vocal and outspoken, I knew that stuff was going to go away. But man, let me tell you what freedom feels like,” he said.
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“To be able to speak your mind anywhere, anytime and really exercise … the freedom of speech that so many brave souls died for, to be able to express that, when I want and how I want and not have to worry about anything in between.”
Kid Rock collaborated with Eminem on his new album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” saying it was important to stay friends despite their political differences. (Getty Images)
“No radio station. No corporate deal or show or anything, you know … it’s just the biggest, most awesome feeling of freedom that one could ever imagine,” he said.
Kid Rock’s next move isn’t about winning back Hollywood.
It’s about faith, forgiveness and a rock ‘n’ roll revival.
WATCH: KID ROCK ADMITS EMINEM CRITICIZING TRUMP TESTED THEIR FRIENDSHIP
The rocker said his new album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” blends Christian themes with high-energy rock and features a collaboration with his friend of nearly 40 years, Eminem, who has publicly criticized Trump.
The “Cowboy” singer told Fox News Digital that Eminem’s public criticism of Trump had tested their relationship, particularly after the rapper criticized the president in a performance at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Kid Rock and Eminem during Experience Music Project Opening Gala at Experience Music Project in Seattle, Washington in 2000. The two have been friends for nearly 40 years. (Ke.Mazur/WireImage)
“There’s been moments when, yeah, friendships have been tested. With Eminem, it would probably be, you know, when he did the thing at the BET Awards, where he’s just going hard in the paint against Trump,” Kid Rock said.
Kid Rock said he ultimately respected his longtime friend’s right to express his views despite their political differences.
“But you know what I mean? At the end of the day, I looked at it like, man, that’s his truth. That’s how he feels,” he said.
Kid Rock told Fox News Digital his faith deepened after attending Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, where he was moved to tears by Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness of her husband’s accused assassin. (Jeremy Deputat)
“I genuinely don’t like people talking about my friends in a bad way, and I’m very quick to defend them, family and friends. But when you’re in the political arena, that’s a whole different ballgame,” he said.
WATCH: KID ROCK CREDITS ERIKA KIRK’S FORGIVENESS OF HUSBAND’S ACCUSED ASSASSIN WITH TRANSFORMING HIS FAITH
For Kid Rock, the Eminem collaboration carries a message beyond music. In the foreword to “Halfway 2 Jesus,” he said he hopes their friendship serves as an example for people whose political differences have strained personal relationships.
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“We differ politically and on other things, but we’ve stayed friends through it all,” he wrote. “We hope that sets an example for people who’ve lost friends or stopped talking to family because they think differently.”
Kid Rock said his new album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” grew out of a deepening faith following the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Lane Frantzve during the Turning Point USA Inaugural Eve Ball at the Salamander Hotel on Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
The rocker said he attended Kirk’s memorial with his son and was moved by Kirk’s widow, Erika, who publicly forgave the man accused of killing her husband.
“And when Erika got up there and forgave his murderer, about dropped me to my knees,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“It just brought tears to my eyes that someone could be that forgiving and I just started to become closer in my faith, pray a little bit more, pay attention to things around me.”
In the album’s foreword, Kid Rock described the project as a blend of Christian messages and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.
Kid Rock’s faith-inspired album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” blends Christian messages with high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. The album is out now. (Kid Rock)
“This is a collection of songs I’d want to hear at a Saturday night revival: people drinking beer, having a great time, and celebrating our Lord and Savior,” he wrote. “Positive messages and a full-on rock concert.”
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Despite concerns the album could alienate some fans, Kid Rock said he accepted the risk.
“Before I even started this album, I made peace with the possibility that it could kill my career or take me to heights unknown. I’m content with either,” he wrote.
Kid Rock’s album, “Halfway 2 Jesus,” is available now.
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