MAGA's Alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show Features Kid Rock as Headliner
Right-wing political organisation Turning Point USA has announced it will host The All-American Halftime Show as a direct protest against the NFL's selection of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance. The event, scheduled for February 8, will feature prominent conservative-supporting artists Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
Political Protest Against Super Bowl Music Acts
Turning Point USA, founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, revealed its plans for the rival show last October following significant conservative backlash against Bad Bunny's Super Bowl appointment. Many Republican figures have criticised the Spanish-language rapper and singer, labelling him a "massive Donald Trump hater" and "anti-ICE activist," while noting his lack of English-language songs.
The organisation's announcement included a link to a website where users could sign up for event updates. One question asked about preferred music genres, with options including "Anything in English," Americana, Classic Rock, Country, Hip Hop, Pop, and Worship music.
Broadcast Details and Streaming Information
The All-American Halftime Show, promising to celebrate "faith, family and freedom," will broadcast across four conservative networks: Charge!, DailyWire+, TBN, and Real America's Voice. While the exact venue remains undisclosed, the event will also stream on Turning Point USA's social media channels, including YouTube, X, and Rumble.
Although scheduled for the same night as the Super Bowl, which features the New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks, the alternative show is expected to air within the traditional halftime window between 8:00 and 8:30 PM Eastern Time.
Performance Lineup and Political Connections
Kid Rock, one of Donald Trump's most loyal celebrity supporters, will headline the Turning Point USA event. The musician performed at Trump's inauguration eve victory rally in Washington D.C. and has developed a friendship with the former president through golf outings and campaign events. Trump has revealed his nickname for the singer is "Bob."
The full lineup includes country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. Previous speculation suggested potential appearances by Carrie Underwood, who performed "America the Beautiful" at Trump's 2025 swearing-in ceremony, or Nicki Minaj, who made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025 alongside Kirk's widow, Erika.
NFL's Defiant Response and Trump's Criticism
Despite Trump's vocal criticism of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl selection, the NFL has confirmed it will not drop the "DtMF" singer from its halftime show. In fact, the organisation has appeared to strengthen its position by recently adding rock band Green Day to its Super Bowl lineup. The trio, comprising Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, will perform a special 60th anniversary Super Bowl tribute during the opening ceremony.
Reacting to the music acts, Trump told the New York Post: "I'm anti-them. I think it's a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible." The former president confirmed he will not attend the game.
With less than a week remaining before the events, Turning Point USA has begun sharing additional details about its scheduled protest show, positioning it as a cultural counterpoint to the NFL's mainstream entertainment offerings.
