Roots in Conservative Backlash (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Conservative group Turning Point USA aired a rival halftime production during Super Bowl XL, featuring Kid Rock and country artists as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s official performance.
Roots in Conservative Backlash
The event emerged from criticism over the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar who performed primarily in Spanish.[1][2]
Some conservatives labeled the selection controversial, prompting Turning Point USA to organize the “All-American Halftime Show.” President Donald Trump later slammed the official show on social media, calling it “absolutely terrible” and criticizing its language and dancing.[1]
The production ran simultaneously with the Super Bowl halftime, extending slightly into the third quarter.
Star-Studded Lineup Takes Center Stage
Kid Rock headlined the prerecorded show, sporting a new haircut and outfits like a fur coat paired with denim shorts.[2]
Brantley Gilbert opened strong after a guitar solo rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” delivering “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem” while wearing a “God Family Country” shirt.[1][2]
Gabby Barrett followed with her hit “I Hope,” and Lee Brice performed “Drinking Class” alongside a new track titled “Country Nowadays.”[2]
Memorable Tributes and Closers
Jack Posobiec kicked off the evening with a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the late Turning Point USA founder assassinated in September.[2]
The show featured pyrotechnics during several segments and culminated in a photo and video montage honoring Kirk.[1]
Kid Rock closed with his 1999 rock anthem “Bawitdaba” before shifting to a country cover of Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t,” incorporating a verse dedicated to Kirk.[2]
Viewership and Early Reactions
The stream attracted more than 6.4 million viewers across YouTube and Rumble, with NPR reporting over 4 million on YouTube alone.[1][2]
Staged before a crowd of a few hundred on a sleek platform, the 35-minute program aimed to emphasize themes of faith, family, and freedom.
While it drew a sizable online audience, the event faced online chatter about Kid Rock’s delivery, though specifics varied across reports.
Key Takeaways
- Turning Point USA countered Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language set with English country and rock performances.
- Headliners included Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice.
- A heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk anchored the show’s emotional core.
The “All-American Halftime Show” highlighted a divide in cultural tastes during one of sports’ biggest nights, blending music with political messaging. As debates over entertainment choices continue, such events signal growing appetite for tailored programming. What are your thoughts on rival halftime spectacles? Share in the comments.
