Country singer Brantley Gilbert is pushing back against critics who say his involvement in Turning Point USA’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show is divisive.
Gilbert, who will perform alongside Kid Rock, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice during the conservative organization’s counter-programming to Bad Bunny’s official halftime performance, says he’s doing it for his kids.
He also points out that country music has been largely excluded from football’s biggest stage for over two decades.
But social media users aren’t buying his explanation, with many calling out the irony of claiming unity while literally hosting a separate show.
Standing Behind His Decision
In a lengthy statement posted across X, Instagram, and Threads, Gilbert attempted to explain why he’s participating in what many view as a protest against the NFL’s decision to book Bad Bunny, who performs entirely in Spanish.
I respect that some people may see this differently, but I’m not playing this show to be divisive. I was offered this opportunity and imagined my kids watching their daddy perform at halftime during the biggest game in American Football. Everything I do, I do for them.
The Georgia native painted himself as a recovering addict who’s turned his life around through faith and music. He emphasized his Christian values and love for country, despite acknowledging America’s flaws.
The Country Music Exclusion Argument
Gilbert’s statement highlighted what he sees as a glaring omission in Super Bowl history.
We’re celebrating 250 years as a country, and it’s been more than 20 years since a country artist has been asked to play the Super Bowl halftime show.
He’s technically correct. Only twice in Super Bowl history has a country artist headlined halftime: Shania Twain shared duties with No Doubt in 2003, and in 1993, the Judds, Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, and Travis Tritt participated in “Rockin’ Country Sunday.”
However, country stars have been regular fixtures for other Super Bowl performances, particularly the national anthem. Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood have all sung “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the big game in recent years.
Social Media Backlash Was Swift
Gilbert’s attempt to frame his participation as non-divisive was met with immediate skepticism online.
Critics pointed out the obvious contradiction in his message. One commenter wrote that nothing says unity like doing a completely separate show, while another noted he’s not actually performing during the Super Bowl halftime—he’s performing during a counter-event.
Perhaps the most cutting response came from a user who wrote that screaming songs in their front yard during halftime would constitute performing at the Super Bowl “in the exact same way” Gilbert is.
Who Is Brantley Gilbert?
Gilbert addressed the question directly in his statement, describing himself as a songwriter from Jackson County, Georgia, whose initial goal was simply to sell out his local theater.
I’m a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I’ve made to live in another direction. I share my story through my music, in hopes that it may help and inspire others in their darkest hour.
The singer enjoyed significant success in the 2010s, racking up five No. 1 country airplay singles between 2011 and 2019. His most recent album, “Tattoos,” debuted at No. 42 on Billboard’s country albums chart in 2024.
Beyond music, Gilbert is known for his gun rights advocacy. In 2015, he got a massive back tattoo featuring Second Amendment text and two oversized pistols.
The Unity Paradox
Gilbert concluded his statement by invoking the classic phrase “united we stand, divided we fall.”
The way I treat people isn’t conditional based on what our differences may be. I believe ‘United we stand, divided we fall,’ and my prayer for our country is that we stand united.
He did not clarify who exactly he expects to be unified by participating in an alternative show that many characterize as a direct protest against Bad Bunny’s performance.
The Turning Point USA event is organized by the conservative group founded by Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, Erika Kirk. Kid Rock is headlining, a choice that virtually guarantees the event will be polarizing regardless of Gilbert’s stated intentions.
What Happens Next
Gilbert thanked his “road family” and fans for standing beside him, expressing excitement about taking the stage Sunday.
Whether viewers will tune in to watch the TPUSA alternative show instead of Bad Bunny’s officially sanctioned performance remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Gilbert’s involvement has already sparked exactly the kind of division he claims he’s trying to avoid.
For someone insisting he’s not being divisive, performing at a counter-event specifically designed as an alternative to the official show sends a very different message than the unity he’s preaching.