Turning Point USA's 'All-American Halftime Show' Stumbles in Bid to Outshine Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Spectacle
The highly anticipated "All-American Halftime Show" organized by Turning Point USA, a conservative student group, failed to make a significant impact in its attempt to overshadow Bad Bunny's electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance this past Sunday. The alternative show, which lasted over half an hour—more than 10 minutes longer than the Puerto Rican superstar's dynamic presentation—faced numerous challenges from the outset.
Technical Hurdles and Extended Runtime
Even before the event commenced, Turning Point USA encountered significant obstacles. The organization announced that it would not be streaming video on the platform X due to unresolved licensing issues, limiting its potential audience reach. The "All-American Halftime Show" began before Bad Bunny sang his first note and continued well into the third quarter of the football game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Filmed indoors before a modest crowd of dozens, the production lacked the grandeur typically associated with Super Bowl entertainment.
Performances and Political Undertones
The show opened with performances by country music stars Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice, along with former "American Idol" contestant Gabby Barrett. During his performance of "Drinking Class," Brice paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative podcaster and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was recently slain, stating that Kirk "gave people microphones so they can say what's on their mind." Brice followed with a song that appeared to criticize trans children and lamented the challenges of being country in contemporary America.
Kid Rock, a known associate of former President Donald Trump, then took the stage with pyrotechnics and an unfurling American flag backdrop, performing his hit "Bawitdaba" while energetically jumping around in jean shorts. After a curiously placed classical music interlude, Kid Rock returned in a new outfit with an acoustic guitar to perform a cover of Cody Johnson's "'Til You Can't" as a tribute to Kirk. The performance concluded with screens displaying images of Kirk and his family, along with clips of the late activist.
Political Backdrop and Conservative Outrage
Turning Point USA announced plans for this patriotic counter-programming in October 2025, following conservative outrage over Bad Bunny's selection as the Super Bowl headliner. At the time, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the choice as "a terrible decision," while former President Trump called it "absolutely ridiculous" in an interview with Newsmax, admitting he didn't know who the Spanish-language singer was.
Bad Bunny, who has been the world's most-streamed artist for four consecutive years, made headlines during his Grammy-winning album tour by avoiding concerts in the continental United States due to concerns that immigration authorities might target his fans. In a fall 2025 interview with i-D magazine, the singer expressed serious concerns about this possibility.
Immigration Controversy and Subsequent Developments
Following the announcement of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl showcase in September 2025, Trump administration officials threatened that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be present at the Santa Clara, California event. Corey Lewandowski, chief adviser to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, stated emphatically that there would be "no safe haven" for undocumented individuals at the Super Bowl or anywhere else.
However, according to a memo from the Super Bowl host committee detailed by The Washington Post on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security has since withdrawn this threat, marking a significant shift in the political tensions surrounding the event.
The "All-American Halftime Show" ultimately served as a cultural and political statement rather than a successful entertainment alternative, highlighting the deep divisions in American society while failing to capture the mainstream attention that Bad Bunny's performance achieved through his musical excellence and broader cultural appeal.
