Kid Rock Channels Kobe Bryant in Defense of Controversial MAGA Halftime Performance
Kid Rock is invoking the words of the late NBA icon Kobe Bryant to counter criticism surrounding his upcoming appearance in a MAGA-themed alternative to the Super Bowl halftime show. The musician, known for hits like "Cowboy," shared a quote attributed to Bryant on his social media platforms this Thursday, as online discourse about his role in the "All-American Halftime Show" intensified.
"Learn to love the hate," the quote reads. "Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you." It continues: "Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones." This move comes as Kid Rock faces backlash for his participation in the event, which is positioned as a conservative response to the NFL's official halftime show.
Lineup and Origins of the All-American Halftime Show
Turning Point USA, the right-wing political organization founded by activist Charlie Kirk, announced the lineup for its show on Monday. In addition to Kid Rock, the roster features country music stars Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice, along with Gabby Barrett, who gained fame as a finalist on Season 16 of "American Idol."
Plans for this alternative event began to take shape in October of last year, following conservative backlash to the NFL's selection of Latin pop superstar Bad Bunny as the official headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show. The Super Bowl is scheduled for this Sunday in Santa Clara, California.
Kid Rock's Direct Critique of Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, a native of Puerto Rico, primarily sings in Spanish and has been vocal in his criticism of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, as highlighted in his recent speech at the Grammy Awards. In a statement, Kid Rock framed the "All-American Halftime Show" performers as underdogs, saying they were "approaching this show like David and Goliath." He then took direct aim at Bad Bunny, who is known for embracing gender-fluid fashion.
"He's said he's having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool," Kid Rock remarked, according to Variety. "We plan to play great songs for folks who love America." This commentary has fueled further debate, with Kid Rock amplifying his criticism of Bad Bunny and the NFL in recent days.
Controversy Over Lyrics and Media Reactions
As the controversy escalated, Kid Rock's song "Cool, Daddy Cool" from the 2001 film "Osmosis Jones" resurfaced online. The track includes lyrics that have drawn scrutiny: "Young ladies, young ladies, I like 'em underage ... See some say that's statutory/But I say it's mandatory."
On Friday's episode of "The View," co-host Sunny Hostin referenced these incendiary lyrics while defending Bad Bunny. "So, if that's more American, go for it," Hostin stated. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin added her perspective, describing Kid Rock as "a very average artist who has mostly kind of gone past his prime."
Bad Bunny's Unfazed Response
Amid the ongoing brouhaha, Bad Bunny himself appears unperturbed. During a press conference on Thursday, the musician assured viewers that they "only have to worry about dancing" when he performs at the Super Bowl. "They don't even have to learn Spanish. Better they learn to dance," he said. "There is no better dance than the one that comes from the heart." This calm response contrasts sharply with the heated exchanges from Kid Rock and his critics, highlighting the cultural and political divides at play in this entertainment showdown.
