Kid Rock is leading a conservative counter-programming effort against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, dubbing it an “All-American” alternative for those who “love America.”
The alternative show, organized by Turning Point USA, will stream simultaneously with the official NFL halftime performance.
Alongside Kid Rock, country artists Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett will headline the event, which promises to celebrate “faith, family, and freedom.”
The announcement has intensified an already heated cultural debate surrounding Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl booking.
Kid Rock Frames Performance as Battle Against “Global Pop Superstar”
In his statement announcing the alternative halftime show, Kid Rock positioned the event as an underdog challenge to mainstream entertainment.
We plan to play great songs for folks who love America. We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath. Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible…or is it?
He took direct aim at Bad Bunny’s performance style, referencing unconfirmed rumors about the reggaeton star’s planned attire.
He’s said he’s having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America.
However, reports that Bad Bunny would wear a dress during his halftime show have been officially denied, making Kid Rock’s comments based on unverified claims circulating among right-wing commentators.
Country Stars Bring Chart Success to Conservative Lineup
While not all household names outside country music circles, the announced performers have impressive commercial track records.
Brantley Gilbert dominated country radio during the 2010s, notching five number-one country hits between 2011 and 2019. His most recent album, “Tattoos,” was released in 2024 through Big Machine Records, though it peaked at a modest number 42 on country albums charts.
Lee Brice enjoyed similar success with eight number-one country airplay singles spanning 2011 to 2020. His last album, “Hey World,” reached number eight on country charts in 2020.
Gabby Barrett represents the lineup’s youngest success story. After finishing third on American Idol’s 16th season, she achieved massive crossover success with “I Hope,” which climbed to number three on the Hot 100 and earned eight-times platinum certification in 2020.
Her recent work includes 2024’s “Chapter & Verse,” which peaked at number 39 on country albums charts.
Political Figures Rally Behind Alternative Show
Republican politicians have been vocal in their criticism of Bad Bunny’s selection, though many struggle to articulate specific objections beyond cultural signaling.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson admitted unfamiliarity with Bad Bunny while simultaneously condemning the choice.
I didn’t even know who Bad Bunny was. But it sounds like a terrible decision, in my view, from what I’m hearing.
When pressed for reasoning, Johnson cited concerns about “young, impressionable children” watching, suggesting Lee Greenwood would be more appropriate as a “role model.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville echoed similar sentiments during a Newsmax interview, mocking both Bad Bunny’s name and the NFL’s choice.
Unfortunately we’ve got the Woke Bowl, because we’re getting more and more woke. We got Bad Bunny or Bad Rabbit at halftime. I’ll be watching the TPUSA halftime show. It’s just unfortunate we’ve gotten to this point.
President Donald Trump joined the chorus of criticism in a New York Post interview, appearing to reference both Bad Bunny and Green Day.
I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.
Broadcasting Plans and Cultural Messaging
Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime show will stream across conservative media outlets, including:
- OAN News
- TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network)
- Turning Point’s social media channels
Additional musical performers will be announced closer to the event, according to TPUSA’s website.
The organization continues under leadership of Erika Kirk, widow of founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a public appearance last year.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet framed the event as inclusive counter-programming rather than explicitly oppositional.
The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom. We set out to provide an entertainment option that will be fun, excellent, and exciting for the entire family while millions are gathered together for the big game.
Cultural Divide Deepens Over Entertainment Choices
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking represents a historic milestone—he’s the first primarily Spanish-language artist to headline the halftime show.
His global popularity is undeniable, with billions of streams and sold-out stadium tours worldwide. Yet conservative commentators frame his selection as evidence of cultural drift away from traditional American values.
The alternative halftime show crystallizes broader tensions about representation, language, and identity in American entertainment.
Whether framed as offering choice or staging protest, Turning Point USA’s event forces viewers into selecting between competing visions of American culture.
Kid Rock’s “David and Goliath” framing suggests conservatives see themselves as underdogs fighting mainstream entertainment’s cultural dominance, despite significant institutional support from political figures and established media networks.
The dueling halftime shows will ultimately serve as a real-time referendum on cultural preferences, with viewership numbers likely scrutinized as evidence of which vision resonates with American audiences.