Ke$ha joins star-studded Illinois State Fair Grandstand entertainment lineup

Popular rapper to perform concert Aug. 17

[April 13, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Pop sensation Ke$ha has been added to the star-studded Illinois State Fair Grandstand entertainment lineup. She will perform Aug. 17, filling one of the two remaining open dates in the 2013 lineup.

In the three years since the release of Ke$ha's platinum debut album, "Animal," the singer, songwriter and rapper has charted eight top 10 hits, including the No. 1 singles "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R." Her sophomore album, "Warrior," was released last November and already has produced a hit single in "Die Young."

Ke$ha joins performers that include country mega-stars Billy Currington on Aug. 9, The Band Perry on Aug. 13, Toby Keith on Aug. 14, Gary Allan on Aug. 16 and Thompson Square on Aug. 16; rock legends Styx on Aug. 10, REO Speedwagon on Aug. 10 and Journey on Aug. 18; and Grammy-winning blues guitarist John Mayer on Aug. 11.

Lauren Alaina has been confirmed as the support act for Currington's Aug. 9 concert. Alaina is an American country singer from Rossville, Ga., and was the runner-up on the 10th season of American Idol. Her debut studio album, "Wildflower," was released in October of 2011.

"This is an exceptional lineup," said Amy Bliefnick, state fair manager. "Whether classic rock, blues, country or, now, pop, the Illinois State Fair has a show to satisfy your musical taste."

Tickets for the Keith and Mayer concerts currently are on sale at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets for all other shows will go on sale through Ticketmaster on April 27, beginning at 10 a.m.

The 2013 Illinois State Fair will run from Aug. 9 through 18. For additional information about the Grandstand lineup, including showtimes and ticket prices, visit www.illinoisstatefair.info.

[Text from Illinois State Fair file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]