Pat Benatar
The singer's fans defended her from the Texas Republican before she and husband Neil Giraldo chimed in via Facebook.
Critics called out Cruz for invoking the rock icon in his attempt to slam the president.
"I can’t say those words out loud with a smile on my face," the four-time Grammy winner told USA Today of her decision. "I just can’t."
The late musicians are joined by Dave Matthews Band, Pat Benatar, The Doobie Brothers and Thin Lizzy as first-time nominees this year.
