While tens of millions tuned in to watch Bad Bunny headline the official Super Bowl LX halftime show, a separate — and politically charged — performance unfolded at the same time.
Conservative group Turning Point USA hosted its own “All American Halftime Show,” headlined by Kid Rock and streamed live on YouTube, drawing more than 4 million viewers. The roughly 30-minute event ran into the early minutes of the third quarter, positioning itself as an alternative for viewers unhappy with the NFL’s halftime selection.
The show opened with a guitar-driven rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by performances from country artists Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice. Gilbert kicked things off with “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” setting a patriotic tone that carried throughout the event.
Kid Rock closed the program, performing his 1999 hit “Bawitdaba” before ending with a cover of “‘Til You Can’t,” popularized by country singer Cody Johnson. The performance concluded with a tribute to the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, featuring photos and video highlights.
The alternative halftime show was announced shortly after the NFL confirmed Bad Bunny — a Puerto Rican artist who frequently performs in Spanish — as the Super Bowl halftime headliner. That decision sparked backlash from some conservative commentators, with critics objecting to the choice and, in some cases, incorrectly labeling the artist a “foreigner.” Bad Bunny was born in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in during the game, posting on social media to criticize the NFL’s halftime show, calling it “absolutely terrible” and inappropriate for families watching.
The split-screen moment highlighted the cultural and political divide surrounding one of America’s most-watched events, as Super Bowl Sunday once again became a stage not just for football, but for competing visions of entertainment and identity.
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