Kid Rock Leads Turning Point USA Halftime Show Challenge

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, as millions of Americans tune in to watch the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, a new twist will unfold during the Super Bowl’s famed halftime break. While the NFL’s official halftime show will feature global sensation Bad Bunny—fresh off his recent Grammy win for album of the year—a different kind of spectacle will play out elsewhere: Turning Point USA’s "All-American Halftime Show."

The conservative advocacy group, founded by the late activist Charlie Kirk, has orchestrated an alternative halftime experience, aiming to offer viewers a distinct choice. The lineup, revealed on February 2, 2026, boasts a star-studded roster of country music talent: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. Each performer brings their own flair, with Kid Rock at the helm, promising an event that, as he put it, will deliver "great songs for folks who love America," according to a statement reported by multiple outlets including ABC Audio and Town Square Media.

Gabby Barrett, who won the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards' new female artist of the year, joins the lineup as the only female act, her breakout hit "I Hope" still resonating with fans. Brantley Gilbert, known for anthems like "Dirt Road Anthem" and "Bottoms Up," and Lee Brice, famous for "One of Them Girls" and "Rumor," round out the bill. While Kid Rock and Gilbert have both been vocal about their conservative beliefs—Kid Rock is a well-known ally of former President Donald Trump, and Gilbert has spoken publicly about his support for gun rights—Brice and Barrett have largely stayed out of partisan politics.

This counterprogramming move isn’t just about music; it’s a clear response to Bad Bunny’s selection as the NFL’s official halftime performer. Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican superstar who sings primarily in Spanish and has been a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies, was Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally in 2025. His selection sparked controversy among some conservative commentators and even drew criticism from Trump himself, who questioned whether Bad Bunny was "popular enough" and called him a "divisive pick," as reported by USA Today and ABC Audio.

Turning Point USA’s "All-American Halftime Show" is being billed as an event that celebrates "faith, family, and freedom." Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for the organization, explained in a press release, "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. 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."

Kid Rock, never one to shy away from the spotlight or controversy, leaned into the David-versus-Goliath narrative. "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 mused in the official announcement. He also took a jab at Bad Bunny’s style, saying, "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."

But what exactly can viewers expect from this alternative halftime show? While the full setlist remains under wraps, the four artists collectively have a trove of chart-topping country hits to draw from. Brice is the only one with a current song on country radio, but all four are seasoned performers with loyal followings. Notably, Kid Rock and Brantley Gilbert are both slated to appear in this summer’s Rock the Country Festival series.

As for the logistics, some mysteries remain. Turning Point USA has stated the show will take place "in an arena setting," but as of press time, it’s unclear whether the event will be performed live or pre-recorded, or even if all four artists will share the same stage. There’s no word yet on whether an in-person audience will be present, and the exact venue has not been disclosed. The uncertainty adds a bit of intrigue—will the production match the spectacle of the NFL’s main event, or will it offer something more intimate and homespun?

What is clear is the breadth of platforms carrying the show. In an effort to maximize reach, TPUSA will broadcast the "All-American Halftime Show" across a wide array of digital and television outlets, many of which are associated with conservative media. Viewers can catch the performance on Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Charge!, The National News Desk, New Tang Dynasty (NTD), and One America News (OAN). For those who prefer to stream, the show will be available on Turning Point USA’s official YouTube channel, The Charlie Kirk Show’s YouTube channel, Rumble, and the TPUSA X (formerly Twitter) page. Trinity Broadcasting Network will air the show nationwide, including on DirecTV channel 372, and Real America’s Voice is commonly found on channel 349, though availability may vary by provider.

Turning Point USA has also hinted that more artists may be announced ahead of the event, urging viewers to check their social media channels for the latest updates and streaming links. As reported by Barrett Media, "It is unclear if the performance will be live or pre-recorded, but it will happen 'in an arena setting.'"

While the NFL’s halftime show has long been a showcase for pop music’s biggest names, this year’s face-off between Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA’s country lineup highlights deeper cultural currents. For some, the "All-American Halftime Show" represents a return to traditional values and musical styles. For others, it’s a pointed statement about the direction of mainstream entertainment and the desire for alternatives. The dual shows offer a rare moment of choice for viewers—one that reflects America’s diverse tastes and, perhaps, its ongoing debates about identity and representation in popular culture.

As the clock ticks down to halftime, one thing’s for sure: no matter which channel fans choose, the 2026 Super Bowl will be remembered for more than just football. It’s a night where music, culture, and politics all take the stage—sometimes in harmony, sometimes in competition, but always with the eyes of the nation watching.