Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk, announced on February 2, 2026, that musician Kid Rock will headline its alternative halftime event during Super Bowl LX. The event, branded the “All-American Halftime Show,” is positioned as a rival to the NFL’s official halftime performance, which will be led by Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny.
TPUSA describes the show as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom,” framing it as a response to conservative backlash over Bad Bunny’s selection, which the NFL announced in October 2025. Critics from MAGA-aligned circles objected to Bad Bunny’s primarily Spanish-language music and his political messaging, arguing the Super Bowl stage should reflect more traditional “American” values.
Origins of the Counter-Event
The idea for a parallel halftime show emerged shortly after the NFL revealed Bad Bunny as the official headliner. TPUSA publicly vowed to create a “pro-America” alternative, and the concept quickly gained traction online.
A petition calling for Bad Bunny to be replaced by country legend George Strait gathered more than 122,000 signatures, though Strait is not affiliated with the TPUSA event. TPUSA also polled supporters about preferred genres, offering choices like “Anything in English,” “Americana,” and “Worship,” signaling a focus on patriotic and faith-based themes.
Lineup and Performers
The All-American Halftime Show features artists closely associated with country and conservative audiences:
- Kid Rock (Headliner): A longtime supporter of former President Donald Trump, Kid Rock called the event a “David and Goliath” moment against the NFL. He said the performance is for “people who love America,” contrasting it with Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language dance-focused show.
- Brantley Gilbert: Known for country-rock hits like “Bottoms Up” and “Small Town Small.”
- Lee Brice: Popular for family-centered songs such as “I Don’t Dance” and “Rumor.”
- Gabby Barrett: Former American Idol finalist recognized for “I Hope” and her faith-based image.
The lineup emphasizes patriotic, country, and rock influences in contrast to Bad Bunny’s global pop and reggaeton style.
Event Details and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Time: Around 8 p.m. ET, during Super Bowl LX halftime
- Game: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Format: Livestreamed concert, not affiliated with the NFL broadcast
- Where to Watch: TPUSA plans to stream across platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and its website at:
americanhalftimeshow.com
Public Reaction
Reaction has been sharply divided. Conservative supporters praise the event as a stand for “American values” and English-language music. Critics, however, describe the move as divisive and politically motivated.
Major media outlets have framed the backlash as part of a broader culture-war response to the NFL’s choice. Meanwhile, the NFL has stood by Bad Bunny, who was Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2025 with nearly 20 billion streams, and will become the first male Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
TPUSA’s alternative event reflects a growing trend of political groups creating parallel entertainment spaces rather than engaging with mainstream cultural platforms.
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