While Bad Bunny prepares to take the official Super Bowl halftime show stage, Kid Rock is gearing up for what might be the most politically charged counter-programming in sports history. Turning Point USA announced Monday (February 2, 2026) that the Detroit rocker will headline its “All-American Halftime Show,” scheduled to air opposite the NFL’s main event on February 8.
The MAGA-friendly alternative comes after conservatives lost their minds over the NFL’s decision to book Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. Turning Point USA, the organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, wasted no time organizing their own show. Because nothing says “America” quite like a good old-fashioned culture war during football’s biggest night.
Kid Rock didn’t mince words about the uphill battle. “We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” he said in a statement. Meanwhile, he took a cheeky jab at Bad Bunny’s rumored performance plans, noting, “He’s said he’s having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish?” before adding, “Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America.” So apparently, no one who speaks a language other than English loves America. Noted, Kid.
The lineup reads like a who’s who of conservative-friendly country artists. Joining Kid Rock are Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. These aren’t exactly household names for casual music fans, though Gilbert did rack up five number-one country hits between 2011 and 2019.
However, the announcement landed with a bit of a thud on social media. Critics were quick to point out that the lineup feels distinctly… 2012. Pete Mundo of KCMO Talk Radio didn’t hold back, lamenting that the reveal felt like a Saturday Night Live sketch.
Still, Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet insists the show will deliver an experience celebrating “faith, family, and freedom.” The broadcast will stream on conservative platforms, including OAN News, Daily Wire+, TBN, and Turning Point’s social channels.
The timing couldn’t be more loaded. Bad Bunny just made Grammy history as the first Spanish-language artist to win album of the year. During his acceptance speech, he called out ICE and emphasized leading with love over hate. President Trump, who previously admitted he didn’t know who Bad Bunny was, has announced he’ll skip the game entirely.
So come Super Bowl Sunday, Americans will have a choice: the glitz and glamour of an international pop sensation or a scrappier alternative promising red, WHITE, and blue vibes. Either way, halftime just became appointment viewing for entirely different reasons.
