Turning Point USA is hosting an alternative halftime performance that’s scheduled to air during the same time as Bad Bunny’s official Super Bowl halftime show.
WASHINGTON — Turning Point USA is hosting its own alternative Super Bowl halftime performance that’s scheduled to air during the same time as Bad Bunny’s official NFL Super Bowl halftime show.
The “All American Halftime Show” lineup features Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett. Organizers said viewers can anticipate even more performers to take the stage during the show.
When is the ‘All American Halftime Show’?
It will air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8.
How to watch
Turning Point originally said its event would be streamed on all of its social media channels, but announced just hours before the show was about to start that it wouldn’t be able to show its performance on X.
The organization instead directed its viewers to its YouTube and Rumble accounts. Additional platforms, including TBN, Daily Wire+, OAN News and The National Desk, will air the programming.
What led to the Super Bowl halftime show rivalry?
Bad Bunny’s booking for the official Super Bowl halftime show stirred controversy, primarily among conservative-leaning figures and organizations, including Turning Point USA and President Donald Trump.
The Puerto Rican singer is expected to perform the show entirely in Spanish, and the show is seen by many as a celebration of diversity amid the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant actions.
Anticipation for his halftime performance has only intensified since last weekend, when his album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” became the first Spanish-language album to win the Grammy for album of the year. He did not shy away from addressing federal immigration operations at the awards.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” Bad Bunny said during the ceremony. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
For Bad Bunny, the halftime show is the ultimate stage to showcase his music, heritage and global influence. For the NFL and Apple Music, it’s a balancing act: deliver a spectacle that celebrates diversity without igniting controversy that scares off advertisers.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stood by the choice, citing Bad Bunny’s immense popularity. “Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world,” Goodell added, referencing the star’s comments at the Grammys. “And that’s one of the reasons we chose him.”
Goodell acknowledged the moment but emphasized that the halftime show is intended to be a unifying event.
“He understood the platform he was on, and that this platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talent, and to be able to use this moment to do that,” Goodell said. “I think artists in the past have done that, I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet claims the alternative halftime show sidesteps political agenda.
“The All American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom,” Kolvet said in a statement. “We set out to provide an entertainment option that will be fun, excellent, and exciting for the entire family while millions are gathered together for the big game. These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can’t wait to watch the incredible show they’re about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too.”
Turning Point USA was co-founded by Charlie Kirk, and the event was announced about a month after Kirk’s death.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.