Kid Rock And Turning Point USA Launch Rival Super Bowl Show

When the Super Bowl kicks off on February 8, 2026, in California, millions of viewers will have a new choice during halftime: a star-studded, country-rock concert presented by Turning Point USA. The nonprofit organization, known for its conservative activism, has announced "The All-American Halftime Show" as a direct alternative to the NFL’s official halftime performance, which this year features Puerto Rican superstar and recent Grammy winner Bad Bunny.

Turning Point USA’s show is set to air at 8 p.m. Eastern, aligning precisely with the NFL’s halftime spectacle. The lineup reads like a who’s who of country and rock: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett will headline the event. According to Fox News, Kid Rock described the challenge of going up against the NFL’s massive production and Bad Bunny’s global appeal as a "David and Goliath" situation. "Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible…or is it?" he mused, hinting at the underdog spirit fueling the alternative show.

Kid Rock didn’t shy away from poking at Bad Bunny’s planned performance, referencing the Latin pop star’s intention to wear a dress, throw a dance party, and sing in Spanish. "Cool," Rock remarked. "We plan to play great songs for folks who love America." The message is clear: Turning Point USA’s halftime show aims to offer a different flavor, one rooted in traditional values and unabashed patriotism.

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, explained the motivation behind the event. "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," Kolvet said. He emphasized the concert’s focus on being an up-close, high-energy experience—something more personal than the stadium-sized spectacles viewers have come to expect from the NFL. "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," he added, as reported by Fox News.

The concert won’t be found on traditional network television. Instead, it will stream live on Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel, X account (formerly Twitter), and Rumble page. Additional broadcast partners include Sinclair Broadcast Group’s OTT channel CHARGE!—available on platforms like Samsung Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling—as well as TBN, The National News Desk, Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, and One America News Network. The event’s wide distribution underscores the organization’s commitment to reaching viewers wherever they are, bypassing the mainstream networks entirely.

While the official Super Bowl halftime show has often been a source of excitement and anticipation, this year’s selection of Bad Bunny has sparked controversy among some conservative circles. According to ABC Audio, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the NFL’s choice, stating he didn’t know who Bad Bunny was and calling the decision "absolutely ridiculous." Trump even announced plans to skip the game, citing both the halftime lineup and its California venue as reasons for his absence.

The debate over halftime entertainment is hardly new, but it’s taken on a sharper edge in 2026. Some fans and commentators feel that recent shows have strayed from their roots as pure entertainment, instead becoming vehicles for political or cultural statements. Turning Point USA’s alternative is being pitched as a return to basics—a celebration of "faith, family, and freedom" with "no politics, no agenda, just music meant to celebrate America," as the group put it in its announcement.

This isn’t just about music; it’s about cultural identity and the ongoing tug-of-war over what America’s biggest sporting event should represent. For many, the Super Bowl halftime show is as much a part of the tradition as the game itself. But with shifting demographics and evolving tastes, the NFL has increasingly tapped global superstars to headline, from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez to The Weeknd and now Bad Bunny. The latter, who just took home album of the year at the Grammys, is known for his energetic performances, genre-blending sound, and outspoken advocacy for Latino communities.

Bad Bunny’s own relationship with the U.S. has sometimes been complicated. According to i-D Magazine, the singer has expressed concerns about ICE presence at his shows, admitting that he’s avoided scheduling certain U.S. tour dates out of fear that Latino fans might be detained by immigration agents. His willingness to bring these issues to the stage—and his plan to perform in Spanish, with flamboyant style—has made him a lightning rod for both praise and criticism.

Meanwhile, the artists anchoring Turning Point USA’s show represent a distinctly different slice of American culture. Kid Rock, long known for his unapologetic patriotism and genre-bending hits, recently announced a "rock the country" festival that will travel to eight cities across the U.S. in September, including a stop in Hamburg, New York, with Hank Williams Jr. and Josh Ross. Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett have all carved out loyal followings in the country music world, with songs that celebrate small-town life, American pride, and family values.

The choice to schedule the All-American Halftime Show at the exact moment as the NFL’s official performance is no accident. It’s a bold move that invites comparison—and, perhaps, a bit of competition. As Kid Rock put it, "We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath." The implication is clear: while the NFL halftime show may have the glitz, the global reach, and the star power, Turning Point USA believes there’s a sizable audience hungry for a different kind of halftime experience.

For viewers, the 2026 Super Bowl halftime break offers something rare: a genuine choice. Whether they tune in for Bad Bunny’s high-energy, globally minded set or opt for Kid Rock and company’s patriotic, rootsy concert, fans will be able to pick the performance that best matches their tastes—and their values. It’s a sign of the times, reflecting both America’s cultural diversity and the increasing willingness of organizations to create their own programming outside traditional media channels.

With both shows promising high production values, big-name talent, and passionate fan bases, this year’s halftime break is shaping up to be as closely watched as the game itself. The only question left: which show will win the hearts—and the eyeballs—of America?