Kid Rock to Headline Conservative Alternative to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show
In a move that pits rock against reggaeton and conservative politics against mainstream entertainment, Kid Rock is set to headline an alternative halftime show during Super Bowl 60. The Michigan-born musician, a known ally of former President Donald Trump, will lead Turning Point USA's "All-American Halftime Show" as a direct counter to Bad Bunny's official performance on NBC, TSN, and CTV.
A Patriotic Counter-Programming Event
According to a press release from the conservative political organization, the alternative show "will be a unique, patriotic event proudly celebrating American culture, freedom, and faith." Kid Rock will be joined by country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett for the performance, which will stream on Turning Point USA's social media channels including YouTube, X, and Rumble.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet emphasized the family-friendly nature of their production, stating the group wants 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." He added that their show represents "an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom."
Political Tensions and Cultural Divides
The scheduling conflict highlights deepening cultural and political divisions in American entertainment. Kid Rock framed the competition in biblical terms, telling Variety and USA Today: "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?"
The rocker then took a direct shot at Bad Bunny's planned performance: "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."
This alternative show comes amid significant conservative backlash against Bad Bunny's selection as the official halftime performer. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his immigration policies. At the recent Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny made headlines by declaring "ICE out" during his acceptance speech and defending immigrant rights.
Conservative Criticism and NFL Response
The controversy has drawn reactions from numerous conservative figures:
- Sebastian Gorka, Trump's former counterterrorism advisor, questioned on social media: "Is the @NFL incapable of reading the room?"
- Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick argued that "no songs in English should not be allowed at one of America's highest rated television events."
- Megyn Kelly called Bad Bunny's selection "a middle finger to MAGA and conservatives" according to The Daily Beast.
- Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, suggested ICE agents might be present at the game to "round up illegal immigrants."
Trump himself told the New York Post he had "never heard of" Bad Bunny and called the selection "absolutely ridiculous." The former president announced he would skip this year's Super Bowl partly because of the inclusion of Bad Bunny and opening act Green Day.
Despite the criticism, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league's choice, telling reporters: "I'm not sure we've ever selected an artist where we didn't have some blowback or criticism. It's pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching." Goodell praised Bad Bunny as "one of the great artists in the world" who understands the Super Bowl platform's power to unite people.
Turning Point USA's New Leadership
The alternative halftime show represents one of the first major public initiatives for Turning Point USA under its new leadership. The conservative organization was founded by the late Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year. His widow, Erika Kirk, has since taken over as the public face of the group and has vowed to continue its mission.
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, viewers will have a clear choice between two very different halftime experiences: Bad Bunny's official multicultural celebration on traditional broadcast channels, or Kid Rock's patriotic alternative streaming on conservative platforms. The competing shows reflect broader cultural debates playing out through the lens of America's biggest sporting event.
