Kid Rock And Country Stars To Headline TPUSA Halftime Show

As Super Bowl LX approaches, the buzz isn’t just about the gridiron battle between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks—there’s a showdown brewing off the field, too. On February 3, 2026, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) announced its plans for an alternative halftime show, dubbed The All-American Halftime Show, headlined by none other than Kid Rock and joined by country stars Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. The event, set for February 8, will stream live across TPUSA’s social media channels, including YouTube, X, and Rumble, as well as air on networks like TBN, The National News Desk, and Real America’s Voice, according to TPUSA’s official release and reporting from Fox News.

This move comes in response to the NFL’s selection of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as the official halftime performer—a decision that sparked controversy among some conservative circles due to his explicit lyrics and outspoken political views. Bad Bunny, who was the most-streamed artist on Spotify in 2025, recently made headlines at the Grammy Awards by winning Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” becoming the first Spanish-language artist to take home the top prize. He used his acceptance speech to criticize the Trump administration’s ICE crackdown, declaring, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.”

TPUSA, the conservative youth organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, saw an opportunity to offer what it calls a “family-friendly” halftime alternative. “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,” said Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet in the official announcement. “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. These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can’t wait to watch the incredible show they’re about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too.”

The lineup reflects this ethos. Kid Rock, a rock star known for his rebellious persona and support for former President Donald Trump, will headline the event. He’s joined by Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett—country artists who have all won multiple industry awards. Gilbert is celebrated for hits like “Bottoms Up” and “Kick It in the Sticks,” Brice for “One of Them Girls” and “Rumor,” and Barrett for “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” Notably, both Brice and Barrett have spoken publicly about their Christian faith, aligning with the show’s theme of celebrating traditional values.

Kid Rock himself is no stranger to controversy, with many of his albums carrying “Parental Advisory” labels for explicit content. Still, TPUSA and the artists involved are promising a show that’s suitable for families. In an exclusive interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Kid Rock addressed both the excitement and the criticism surrounding his participation. “I think I speak for us all at Turning Point, the other artists that are performing, when I say that in no way shape or form, don’t let... don’t let the left twist this around,” he said in a video posted on X. “Like in no way are we approaching this with any hate in our hearts.”

He continued, “We’re simply gonna go play some great songs, like I’ve said for our base. People that love football, love America, love good music and love Jesus. It’s pretty much that simple.” Kid Rock emphasized that the show isn’t about division—he wants to provide an option for viewers who may not resonate with the official halftime act. “A big portion called half this country is underserved entertainment-wise,” he said. “If people don’t want to tune in to what’s going on there, they want an option — I mean what’s different than the Puppy Bowl or the Lingerie Bowl, except it’s going to be a lot more entertaining, I would say.”

On social media, Kid Rock has leaned into the controversy, sharing a quote from the late basketball star Kobe Bryant: “Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you.” He also acknowledged the challenge of going up against the NFL’s massive halftime show, led by a global superstar. “We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” Kid Rock said in the news release. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it? [Bad Bunny] 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.”

The alternative halftime show is more than just a protest—it’s a statement about cultural representation and the ongoing debate over what “family-friendly” entertainment means. TPUSA’s decision to create the event was sparked by criticism from supporters of former President Trump, who took issue with the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny. The rapper has not been shy about his political views, often using his platform to speak out against conservative policies and, in particular, the Trump administration’s immigration stance.

For its part, the NFL has stood by its decision, pointing to Bad Bunny’s immense popularity and cultural impact. As the most streamed artist on Spotify in 2025 and a three-time Grammy winner, his appeal is undeniable—especially among younger and more diverse audiences. Still, the decision has highlighted the ongoing cultural divide in American entertainment, with each side seeking to create spaces that reflect their values and tastes.

Meanwhile, TPUSA’s All-American Halftime Show is being promoted as a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom.” The event will run concurrently with the official NFL halftime show, giving viewers a clear choice. “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,” Kolvet reiterated. “These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can’t wait to watch the incredible show they’re about to put on.”

As the big day draws near, fans on both sides are gearing up for a Super Bowl Sunday that’s about more than just football. Whether viewers tune in for Bad Bunny’s headline performance or opt for Kid Rock and company’s All-American Halftime Show, one thing’s for sure: this year’s halftime entertainment is shaping up to be as fiercely contested as the game itself. And as Kid Rock puts it, “It’s OK to be vocal. It’s very, very OK to not be vocal. There’s something to be said for, you know, ‘Who did you vote for.’ ‘None of your business.’”

With the stage set and both shows ready to go, millions of Americans will soon decide for themselves which vision of halftime entertainment speaks to them—and perhaps, in the process, what it means to celebrate together in a deeply divided cultural moment.