- Web Desk
- 21 Minutes ago
Why Kid Rock is being lined up against Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl
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- Aasiya Niaz
- 1 Hour ago
Turning Point USA has announced plans for a rival halftime event to run during the Super Bowl, naming Kid Rock as the headliner in a move that places him directly opposite Bad Bunny, who is set to perform during the NFL’s official halftime show.
The conservative organisation said its counter-programme, titled the “All-American Halftime Show”, will livestream on Super Bowl Sunday across its social media platforms. It is being billed as a celebration of “faith, family and freedom”.
Kid Rock, a long-time supporter of Donald Trump, will be joined by country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
“We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” Kid Rock said in a statement. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible, or is it?”
Turning Point USA’s counter-show
The announcement was made by Turning Point USA, which was founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The group said the show is intended to offer an alternative viewing option during the Super Bowl halftime window rather than compete with the NFL broadcast itself.
The reveal quickly drew reactions from figures aligned with the Trump administration. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth reacted publicly on X, asking how the Department of Defense could “get in on this”.
Why Bad Bunny is the focal point
Bad Bunny is headlining the NFL’s official halftime show at Super Bowl LX, making history as the first male Latin artist to lead the globally watched performance.
The singer has a vast international following and was Spotify’s most streamed artist worldwide in 2025. He recently won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards and has been outspoken in his criticism of US immigration enforcement.
At the Grammys, Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech to condemn the nationwide immigration crackdown.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say: ICE out,” he said. “We’re not savages. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”
Bad Bunny at the #GRAMMYs :
— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) February 2, 2026
"ICE OUT! We are not savages. We are not animals. We are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” pic.twitter.com/PZ77DTwbcu
His comments reignited political tension that has followed his recent work and public statements, including criticism from MAGA-aligned commentators and public figures.
A culture-war Super Bowl moment
The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement nationwide in recent months, expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in major cities as part of efforts to reverse Biden-era immigration policies.
Against that backdrop, Turning Point USA’s decision to stage a conservative counter-show has turned the Super Bowl halftime window into a symbolic culture-war battleground, even though the two performances will air on separate platforms.
While Bad Bunny will take the official NFL stage, Kid Rock’s live streamed event is shaping up to be one of the most overtly political examples of Super Bowl counter-programming in recent years.
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