In an unprecedented move, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has announced plans to host a rival halftime show during next year’s Super Bowl. The announcement comes on the heels of the NFL’s decision to tap Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance—a choice that has ignited a firestorm of controversy and debate across political and cultural lines, according to the Hindustan Times and multiple outlets.
The NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny, one of the world’s most streamed artists, was hailed by some as a nod to the league’s growing global audience. Yet, for many conservative viewers, the move was a step too far. The crux of the backlash? Bad Bunny’s music catalog is primarily in Spanish, and his past comments about skipping U.S. concerts due to concerns over ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have not sat well with certain segments of the American public. As reported by Variety and cited in the Hindustan Times, Bad Bunny remarked that he avoided touring the U.S. because he feared his fans might encounter ICE agents—a statement that has become a lightning rod in current debates over immigration and national identity.
TPUSA wasted no time in responding to the NFL’s announcement. On social media, the group declared, “It’s true, Turning Point USA is thrilled to announce The All American Halftime Show. Performers and event details coming soon. 2.8.2026.” The message was accompanied by a survey inviting the public to weigh in on their preferred music genres, with options ranging from “Anything in English” to “Americana, Classic Rock, Country, Hip Hop, Pop or Worship.” The group’s intent was clear: to provide a family-friendly, pro-American alternative to what they see as the increasingly global and, in their view, controversial direction of Super Bowl entertainment.
The announcement immediately set social media ablaze. Supporters cheered the idea of a halftime show that would emphasize faith, family, freedom, and classic American music styles. Critics, meanwhile, accused TPUSA of politicizing a beloved American tradition and deepening the nation’s cultural divide. As Hindustan Times noted, the competing shows have come to symbolize the broader schism in American entertainment, with each side championing vastly different musical tastes and values.
Fueling the buzz was a poster circulating online that purported to reveal the TPUSA show’s lineup. The graphic, decked out with patriotic symbols like bald eagles and a "USA" hat, listed Kid Rock as the headliner, with Ted Nugent, Jason Aldean, Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis (of Staind), John Rich, Lee Greenwood, Forgigato Blow, and a guest appearance by “Measles” also featured. However, as the Hindustan Times and other sources made clear, this lineup remains unconfirmed and unofficial as of October 13, 2025. TPUSA itself has not released any official details about performers, and the poster’s authenticity has been called into question—even prompting one social media user to joke, “Nice Chatgpt poster, guess Kid Rock can’t afford to hire artist anymore.”
Despite the uncertainty around the lineup, speculation has run rampant about who might grace the stage at TPUSA’s “All American Halftime Show.” According to a feature article published on October 13, 2025, six artists stand out as ideal candidates: Carrie Underwood, Zach Bryan, Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood, Kid Rock, and Creed. Each brings a distinct flavor of Americana and patriotism, making them natural fits for the event’s red, white, and blue ethos.
Carrie Underwood, often described as America’s country sweetheart, is known for her unapologetic embrace of faith and family. Her powerful voice and mainstream appeal could help bridge the gap between traditional Super Bowl fans and TPUSA’s target audience, though her longstanding association with the NFL might complicate matters. Zach Bryan, a millennial troubadour whose raw, heartfelt lyrics have resonated across the political spectrum, is seen as a wildcard—his recent song “Bad News” ruffled some conservative feathers, but his authenticity could make him a unifying presence.
Jason Aldean, whose hit “Try That in a Small Town” has become an anthem for conservative America, is perhaps the most obvious choice. His no-nonsense attitude and stage show packed with fireworks and flag-waving energy align perfectly with TPUSA’s vision. Lee Greenwood, at 82, is the elder statesman of the group; his iconic “God Bless the U.S.A.” has long been a staple at patriotic events and could deliver a powerful, nostalgic moment.
Kid Rock, famous for his rowdy, unpredictable performances and his outspoken political views, has emerged as the unofficial face of the rumored lineup. His blend of country, rock, and rap, combined with a stage presence that borders on explosive, would almost certainly make the show go viral. Creed, whose recent reunion tour has reignited interest in their Christian-infused rock anthems, rounds out the list. Their emotional choruses and uplifting messages could transform the event into what one commentator called “a full-blown altar call.”
While TPUSA’s official channels have yet to confirm any performers, the buzz surrounding the show is undeniable. The organization has positioned its “All American Halftime Show” as a family-friendly, pro-American counterpoint to what some perceive as the “raunchy” or controversial performances of recent Super Bowl halftime shows. Christian artists outside of TPUSA, such as Cory Asbury, have even floated the idea of separate, faith-based halftime events, further underscoring the appetite for alternatives among certain segments of the public.
Adding to the spectacle, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared on a podcast to announce that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl to ensure the safety of attendees. “I have the responsibility for making sure that everybody [who] goes to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave. And that’s what America is about,” Noem stated. She added that only “law-abiding Americans who love this country” should be attending the event, remarks that seemed to echo the broader themes of the TPUSA initiative.
For now, the details of the “All American Halftime Show”—including its broadcast platform and final lineup—remain shrouded in mystery. What is certain is that viewers will need to switch away from the official Super Bowl broadcast to catch TPUSA’s alternative event, a move that could fragment audiences and set a new precedent for parallel programming during major cultural moments.
As the countdown to February 8, 2026, continues, the competing halftime shows stand as a stark reminder of America’s ongoing culture wars. Whether TPUSA’s gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: next year’s Super Bowl is shaping up to be about much more than just football.
