Kid Rock has said he will support Barack Obama's forthcoming presidency, despite his Republican upbringing.

The singer also told the Metro newspaper that he thought the Democrat's election was “a great thing for black people”.

"I'm patriotic so I'm just happy the people's voice has been heard. I will support him until I have reason not to,” he said.

"It's a great thing for black people. Black people were kind to me growing up and taught me hip-hop and the blues, so it's good the US has proved it's not as racist as it's sometimes portrayed."

Kid Rock has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party and appeared at fundraisers for defeated presidential candidate John McCain throughout 2008.

(by Jason Gregory)