CloseDonald Trump has said nothing about the “All-American” alternative Super Bowl performance, staged by Turning Point USA, to rival Bad Bunny's halftime show – as the conservative group announced plans for another event next year.
Kid Rock and a handful of other country artists reached up to 6.1 million concurrent viewers during a livestream at the same time as Bad Bunny's performance at Levi’s Stadium in California. Early estimates suggest more than 100 million watched the Puerto Rican superstar make history as the first Super Bowl headliner to perform mainly in Spanish.
Bad Bunny’s set celebrated his heritage and all countries of the Americas with scenes of Puerto Rico, flags, and even a wedding, as he was joined by surprise guests like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. As his performance ended, a message was displayed across the stadium's scoreboards: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love."
The "All American" show lasted 35 minutes – double the length of Bad Bunny’s set – and was taped on a stage in Atlanta, Variety reported. Turning Point USA is planning another MAGA Super Bowl halftime show for 2027, spokesperson Andrew Kolvet told Fox News Monday.
A Kid Rock song played at the Turning Point event charted at number one on iTunes on Monday, topping the nearest Bad Bunny tune.
The performance by Bad Bunny was slammed by Trump on Truth Social as "one of the worst, EVER!” But video posted on social media showed the official halftime show on a large screen at a Mar-a-Lago watch party, and not the Turning Point USA concert.
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Kid Rock addresses backlash to performance on social media
Days before headlining Turning Point USA’s alternative to the Super Bowl halftime, Kid Rock seemed to address the backlash pointed at conservatives over the event.
The 55-year-old country rocker shared an image of a quote from legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant on Instagram Friday.
“Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones,” the quote read.
Isabel Keane8 February 2026 17:00
Turning Point USA shares video of Charlie Kirk saying Super Bowl should be 'reflection' of what 'you want society to embody'
Conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA shared a video of its late founder, Charlie Kirk, discussing how the Super Bowl should be a “reflection” of American values.
TPUSA is set to host the All-American Halftime as singer and rapper Bad Bunny takes the Super Bowl halftime stage.
The organization’s new event is in response to conservative outrage over the Puerto Rican singer’s planned performance.
“When you have the most televised event for the entire year, that should be a reflection of the virtue that hopefully you want society to embody,” Kirk says in the clip, shared by TPUSA on social media.
“That's why we've made the All-American Halftime Show,” the conservative organization notes in the post.
Isabel Keane8 February 2026 19:00
Country singer Brantley Gilbert defends decision to perform at Turning Point USA’s controversial halftime show
Brantley Gilbert has cited his love for America as a reason why he’s performing at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which has been organized in protest of the NFL’s 2026 Super Bowl music acts.
TPUSA, the right-wing political organization founded by late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced last October that it would host an alternative show February 8 — the same night as the NFL’s Super Bowl, which will see the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks. Along with Gilbert, artists performing at the TPUSA event include Kid Rock, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
The event has drawn widespread criticism for its overtly political framing and cultural messaging, with some observers calling the “all-American” branding exclusionary while Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny headlines the official halftime show.
Amid the controversy, Gilbert shared a statement with Fox News to explain why he’s performing at the event.
“I’m a songwriter who grew up, and still lives in Jackson County, Georgia, whose goal in the music business was to sell out the local theater a few miles from my house and somehow make my living writing songs,” he said. “I’m a recovering addict with the history of all the bad choices that come with it. I’m not proud of those choices, but I am proud of the choice I’ve made to live in another direction.”
Read more from The Independent’s Amber Raiken
Isabel Keane8 February 2026 19:35
Video: Logan Paul asked if he's excited for Bad Bunny's halftime show
Internet personality Logan Paul was asked if he is excited for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance this evening. See his response below.
Brendan Rascius8 February 2026 22:00
Location of TPUSA's halftime remains unknown
Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show will be streamed live on several platforms, but the location of the event has not been revealed.
The performance — which is being held as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s official halftime show — will feature Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
According to TPUSA, it will be aired on X and YouTube as well as by several outlets, including The Daily Wire and the One America News Network.
It’s unclear where these musicians will perform and whether or not an audience will be present.
Lee Brice posted a video on Instagram yesterday saying he was “on the way” to the halftime show. The footage showed him on a bus traveling in the dark.
A spokesperson for TPUSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
Brendan Rascius8 February 2026 23:20
TPUSA halftime show begins with Star Spangled Banner
TPUSA’s halftime show has begun with an electric guitar rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
The event kicked off with an announcer saying, “This is for you Charlie.” There is a small in-studio audience.
Brendan Rascius9 February 2026 01:12
Brantley Gilbert sings 'Real American' and 'Dirt Road Anthem'
Country musician Brantley Gilbert began by singing “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
Brendan Rascius9 February 2026 01:17
VIDEO: TPUSA's 'All-American' Super Bowl halftime show kicks off
Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American’ halftime show has begun. Watch the opening song below.
Brendan Rascius9 February 2026 01:20
Country musician Gabby Barrett takes the stage
Country musician Gabby Barrett took the stage to perform her hit song “I hope.”
The song features Charlie Puth, who sang the National Anthem at Levi’s Stadium earlier this evening.
Brendan Rascius9 February 2026 01:22
Lee Brice performs songs 'Drinking Class' and 'Memory I Don't Mess With'
Country artist Lee Brice took the stage to perform his song “Drinking Class,” sparking cheers from the audience.
“Charlie, he gave people microphones so they could say what’s on their mind,” he added before launching into a new song.
Brendan Rascius9 February 2026 01:32OlderNewer