Donald Trump has been silent on Turning Point USA’s alternative “All-American” Super Bowl performance after footage from his Mar-a-Lago watch party appeared to show attendees watching Bad Bunny's halftime show Sunday night.
Bad Bunny's performance featured surprise guests, including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, at Levi’s Stadium in California. The 31-year-old artist made history as the first Super Bowl headliner to perform primarily in Spanish.
The "All American" show featuring Kid Rock and a handful of other country artists reached up to 6.1 million concurrent viewers while it livestreamed at the same time on Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel, according to The Athletic.
The performance by Bad Bunny - the Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar - was slammed by Trump on Truth Social as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!”
But video posted on social media showed Bad Bunny's performance on a large screen at Mar-a-Lago, and not the TPUSA event.
Read MoreTrump’s Super Bowl watch party showed one halftime performance - it was Bad Bunny
Where was Trump during the Super Bowl? President rages at Bad Bunny’s halftime show from afar
Key Points
- What we know about MAGA’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show
- Bad Bunny's halftime show played at Trump's Super Bowl watch party, social media video shows
- TPUSA's halftime show hits 6.1 million concurrent viewers
- US defense secretary salutes TPUSA and says ‘freedom is still worth the fight’
- Americans prefer Bad Bunny halftime over Kid Rock's performance: Poll
- Trump criticizes Bad Bunny halftime show, makes no mention of TPUSA event
Kid Rock’s MAGA-friendly country music festival canceled in South Carolina after artists drop out
19:10 , Tom MurrayRock the Country, Kid Rock’s country music festival that critics have labeled a “MAGA fest,” has been canceled in South Carolina after a string of artists dropped out.
The multi-city festival was scheduled to run for two days per venue in eight U.S. states from May 1 to September 21.
However, its stop in Anderson, South Carolina — which was scheduled for July 25 and 26 — will no longer take place, county administrator Rusty Burns told Fox Carolina.
Kid Rock’s MAGA-friendly country music festival canceled in South Carolina
Turning Point USA wants to host another halftime show next year
18:50 , Katie HawkinsonTurning Point USA is planning to host another Super Bowl halftime show in 2027, spokesperson Andrew Kolvet told Fox News.
"So I can tell you, that's a shot across the bow. People are paying attention. And if you give us a year to plan this thing, I'm really excited to see what we can pull off," Kolvet said.
“We gotta do it for the country. And this was a massive success, and we were grateful to do it,” he added.
Trump’s Super Bowl watch party showed one halftime performance - it was Bad Bunny
18:30 , Owen ScottDonald Trump spent weeks slamming Bad Bunny playing the Super Bowl halftime show - but that didn’t appear stop the president watching it himself in a room full of supporters.
Trump made clear last month that he would not attend the Super Bowl in person, with MAGA supporters urging people to watch Kid Rock’s alternative Turning Point USA show instead.
However, it seems Trump was no different to the millions of other Americans who made sure not to miss the Puerto Rican rapper’s much-discussed performance Sunday.
Trump’s Super Bowl watch party showed one halftime performance - it was Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny erases Instagram posts – and sparks fan speculation after Super Bowl backlash
18:15 , Carsen HoladaySpeculation is running rampant over Bad Bunny’s next move after the rapper wiped his entire Instagram page.
Hours after his historic Super Bowl halftime show performance, the Puerto Rican rapper removed everything from his Instagram account, including his profile picture, leaving only a link to his latest album in his bio.
The clean slate has left fans wondering if Bad Bunny — real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — might be teasing his next career move, or if the removal is in response to backlash following his game day performance.
Keep reading:
Fans speculate after Bad Bunny deletes all of his Instagram posts
What is Turning Point USA?
18:00 , Katie HawkinsonTurning Point USA is a youth conservative activist organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year while speaking on a Utah college campus.
Turning Point USA says its mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”
The organization announced its alternative halftime show in October, shortly after the NFL named Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime show headliner.
Speaker Mike Johnson calls Kid Rock performance one of 'best moments in broadcast so far this year'
17:45 , Katie HawkinsonKid Rock’s alternative halftime show performance was one of the “best moments in broadcast so far this year,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
He also singled out Jelly Roll’s performance at the Grammy Awards last week.
“The best moments in broadcast so far this year? Jelly Roll at the Grammys & Kid Rock at the @TPUSA’s All-American Halftime Show,” Johnson wrote on X.
TPUSA halftime show featured tributes to Charlie Kirk
17:30 , Katie HawkinsonTurning Point USA’s alternative halftime show featured tributes to the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking on Utah Valley University’s campus.
“This one’s for you, Charlie,” the show’s host said as he introduced the performance
Country artist Lee Brice, who joined Kid Rock and other artists at the event, also paid tribute to Kirk.
“Charlie, you gave people microphones so they could say what was on their minds,” he said.
As Kid Rock played his final song, photos of the slain conservative activist appeared in the background alongside the words: “In remembrance of Charlie Kirk.”
Kid Rock mocked for ‘miming’ Turning Point USA Super Bowl halftime performance
17:15 , Jacob StolworthyKid Rock appeared to be caught lip-synching during his Turning Point USA halftime show, held in protest against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.
Keep reading:
Kid Rock mocked for ‘miming’ Turning Point USA Super Bowl halftime performance
Turning Point USA's halftime show live chat was flooded with bunny emojis: report
17:03 , Katie HawkinsonThe YouTube chat box on Turning Point USA’s halftime show livestream was flooded with bunny emojis Sunday night as users voiced their support for the official halftime headliner, Variety reports.
While Bad Bunny and other surprise guests, including Lady Gaga, performed at the official Super Bowl halftime show, Kid Rock headlined Turning Point USA’s alternate event.
The alternative halftime show garnered 6.1 million concurrent viewers on YouTube, according to The Athletic.
Kid Rock to release new cover after TPUSA halftime show
16:51 , Katie HawkinsonKid Rock, the rock artist who headlined Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime show, said he’s releasing a new cover of Cody Johnson’s hit song, “Til Ya Can’t,” after performing it Sunday night.
“If you enjoyed our version of ‘Til Ya Can’t’ on The TPUSA All American Halftime - Our studio recording of it will be available to purchase or stream at midnight tonight,” he wrote on X.
Obama Foundation wishes football fans a 'great Benito Bowl'
16:43 , Katie HawkinsonThe Obama Foundation showed its support for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance in a social media post shared Sunday.
“From one natural-born US citizen to another, have a great Benito Bowl!” the foundation wrote on X.
Many on social media referred to this year’s game as the “Benito Bowl,” a reference to Bad Bunny’s full name, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio.
The Obama Foundation’s post also included clips of the former president and first lady dancing as Bad Bunny songs play in the background.
Meghan McCain praises Bad Bunny
16:35 , Katie HawkinsonMeghan McCain, a former host on “The View” and the daughter of late Senator John McCain, praised Bad Bunny’s halftime show on social media.
“I’m sorry but I just genuinely question your taste level if you didn’t enjoy the Bad Bunny halftime show. And everything in life doesn’t have to be ruined with politics,” she wrote on X.
Trump flexes global muscles after Bad Bunny’s one-Americas halftime show with map threatening US expansion
16:10 , Craig HoylePresident Donald Trump responded to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl message of American unity with a stark reminder of his expansionist ambitions.
Keep reading:
Trump flexes global muscles after rant over Bad Bunny’s one-Americas halftime show
Jake Paul backtracks on Bad Bunny criticism after brother Logan hits out
15:50 , Ellie MuirJake Paul has backtracked on his claim that Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny is a “fake American citizen” after his brother Logan publicly called him out.
During the musician’s history-making Super Bowl halftime show, Paul — who relocated to Puerto Rico in 2021 — said on X that he was boycotting the performance because there was a “fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America.”
The YouTuber turned professional boxer, who is a vocal Trump supporter, was forced to clarify his comments when his older brother, Logan, 30, responded to the tweet saying: “I love my brother but I don’t agree with this.”
Keep reading:
Jake Paul backtracks on Bad Bunny criticism after brother Logan hits out
Country music icon Kacey Musgraves mocks Kid Rock
15:40 , Katie HawkinsonCountry music star Kacey Musgraves mocked Kid Rock on social media Sunday night, appearing to show her support for Bad Bunny’s official Super Bowl halftime concert.
“Well. That made me feel more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done,” Musgraves wrote on X, shortly after the halftime performance ended
Bad Bunny's halftime show played at Trump's Super Bowl watch party, social media video shows
15:31 , Katie HawkinsonDespite President Donald Trump slamming Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Truth Social as "one of the worst, EVER!" - it appeared to be playing on the big screen at his Mar-a-Lago watch party - and not the MAGA-approved Turning Point USA performance.
Video shared by the X account PatriotTakes appears to show Trump, Senator Lindsey Graham and others sitting at a table as Bad Bunny’s performance plays in the background — rather than Turning Point USA’s alternative halftime concert, which featured Kid Rock and other country artists.
Trump labeled Bad Bunny's performance “an affront to the Greatness of America” in a Truth Social post shared Sunday night. His post did not mention Turning Point USA's halftime show.
When reached for comment, the White House referred The Independent to Trump’s Truth Social post bashing Bad Bunny’s performance.
Republican lawmakers share photos from Trump's Super Bowl watch party
15:15 , Katie HawkinsonRepublican Senators Lindsey Graham and Eric Schmitt both shared photos from President Donald Trump’s Super Bowl watch party at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Graham posted a photo of himself giving a thumbs-up next to Trump.
“Enjoying Super Bowl LX with President Trump and team. @POTUS is Reagan Plus — A man of his word,” Graham wrote.
Schmitt also shared a photo of himself sitting at a table with Trump, captioning it, “Super Bowl party.”
How many people watched Turning Point USA's halftime show?
14:54 , Katie HawkinsonTurning Point USA’s alternative halftime show earned 6.1 million concurrent viewers on its YouTube channel, according to The Athletic.
While the Super Bowl’s viewership numbers aren’t confirmed yet, Bad Bunny’s official halftime concert likely drew a much larger audience, The Athletic reports. Last year, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show earned 133.5 million views.
Turning Point USA gig was blocked from X
14:45 , Jacob StolworthyShortly before the gig began, Turning Point USA received with some unexpected news: it would not be permitted to be streamed live on X due to licensing restrictions.
Instead, the conservative group urged viewers to head over to its YouTube channel to watch the performance.
Kid Rock 'MAGA-fest' country music festival gets canceled in South Carolina
14:15 , Jacob StolworthyKid Rock’s performance at Turning Point USA’s halftime show arrived a day after his country music festival’s stop in South Carolina was unexpectedly canceled.
Rock the Country, Kid Rock’s country music festival that critics have labeled a “MAGA fest,” saw a string of artists drop out on Saturday.
Read more here:
Kid Rock’s MAGA-friendly country music festival canceled in South Carolina
Turning Point USA overall streams below expectations
14:00 , Jacob StolworthySpokesperson Andrew Kolvet told Fox News he thought the show could be streamed up to 50 million times in 24 hours.
At the time of writing, 13 hours later, the gig has been streamed a total of 19 million times, well below his expectations.
Turning Point will host another Super Bowl show
13:30 , Jacob StolworthySpokesperson Andrew Kolvet has said Turning Point USA will host another Super Bowl halftime show.
"You know, because of the success, it's blown our minds,” Kolvet told Fox News. “So we are going to commit to doing this again next year. We're going to do another halftime show for the country next year.”
Megyn Kelly was 'in tears' over Kid Rock's halftime show
13:15 , Jacob StolworthyRight-wing podcaster Megyn Kelly said she was “in tears” over Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show, which was headlined by Kid Rock.
“Congratulations @TPUSA, I am in tears at that BEAUTIFUL half time show,” the host of The Megyn Kelly Show wrote on X on Sunday evening. “Everyone did a spectacular job - it was perfect. THANK YOU!”
Where was the gig held?
12:48 , Jacob StolworthyMystery surrounds the location of the Turning Point USA ”All-American” halftime show – but the event was held at the University of North Dakota, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.
‘Nobodies and has-beens:’ Social media users criticize alternate halftime show headlined by Kid Rock
12:00 , Jacob StolworthySocial media has been abuzz with criticism over TPUSA’s alternate Super Bowl halftime show – which is being staged in opposition to the Levi’s Stadium show headlined by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny.
The event, which will be streamed live, will feature Kid Rock and three country musicians.
“In other words, 4 nobodies and hasbeens,” one X user wrote. “Kid rock? LOL. Last decent song was 15 years ago.”
“Funny that they could only get washed-up artists to perform,” another user wrote, while another derisively labeled the event “Klanchella.”
Still, others voiced their support for the TPUSA show.
“I am looking forward to Kid Rock who believes in borders and performs in English,” wrote one user.
Pete Hegseth salutes TPUSA and says ‘freedom is still worth the fight’
11:30 , Jacob StolworthyUS defense secretary Pete Hegseth made a pre-recorded video appearance on the YouTube livestream of Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show before the concert began, offering a message to the group and its supporters.
“From the War Department, we salute Turning Point USA and everyone who believes freedom is still worth the fight,” Hegseth said in the video.
“Thank you for your courage as an organization, your clarity and leadership, and for this halftime show the war department is proud to support.”
Country singer Brantley Gilbert defends decision to perform at Turning Point USA’s controversial halftime show
11:09 , Jacob StolworthyCountry singer Brantley Gilbert defends decision to perform at Turning Point USA’s controversial halftime show
Brantley Gilbert cited his love for America as a reason why he’s performing at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which was organized in protest of the NFL’s 2026 Super Bowl music acts.
“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.”
Candace Owens says she wasn't impressed by either halftime show
10:30 , Jacob StolworthyConservative podcast host Candace Owens said she wasn’t impressed by either Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance or Turning Point USA’s alternate show featuring Kid Rock.
“I am sorry but I hate both options,” Owens wrote on X to her 7.5 million followers.
“On The one hand, we have a half-time show presented without a word of English spoken,” she wrote. “On the other hand we have an organization that scammed its views by paying platform advertisers, followed by influencers to pretend they broke records.”
“The left vs. right grift is actually boring now,” Owens continued. “What exactly are we doing here, America?”
Kid Rock mocked for 'miming'
10:00 , Jacob StolworthyKid Rock was caught lip-synching during his Turning Point USA half-time show, held in protest against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.
Kid Rock mocked for ‘miming’ Turning Point USA Super Bowl halftime performance
How many people watched Turning Point USA's alternative show?
09:30 , Jacob StolworthyTurning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl show might have been held for “underserved” Americans – but the majority opted to watch Bad Bunny’s half-time performance instead.
Turning Point USA halftime show viewing figures revealed
Democrats poke fun at Trump's halftime response
09:00 , Jacob StolworthyDemocrats poked fun at President Donald Trump’s post about the Super Bowl halftime show, noting that he appeared to watch Bad Bunny’s performance rather than Kid Rock’s gig at TPUSA’s alternate halftime show.
The Democratic Party’s official X account shared Trump’s post, writing, “Guess he wasn’t watching Kid Rock then.”
Footage from inside Trump’s golf club Super Bowl party reveals the Bad Bunny half time show played on the big screens.
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) February 9, 2026
What a bunch of hypocrites. pic.twitter.com/hF5scOGYek
ICYMI: Bad Bunny calls for unity in 2026 Super Bowl Halftime show
08:30 , Shahana YasminKid Rock faces questions over apparent lip-syncing at TPUSA show
08:00 , Shahana YasminKid Rock’s headline set at Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show prompted discussion on X during and after the livestream, with users sharing clips that they said appeared to show portions of the performance being lip-synced.
Several posts pointed to moments in which the vocals continued at full volume as Rock briefly moved the microphone away from his mouth, fuelling speculation that parts of the set relied on backing tracks or pre-recorded audio.
“I am in tears at how badly Kid Rock is lip syncing,” wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter.
I am in tears at how badly Kid Rock is lip syncing. 🤭
— Fantoman79 (@fantoman79) February 9, 2026
It really is perfect though. A perfect representation of how inept MAGA actually are. https://t.co/DP01EMHq3R pic.twitter.com/dwrQRNO3a4
“Kid Rock, bro, I'm embarrassed for you. This was a great opportunity for you. Worst lip syncing I've ever seen and I remember Milli Vanilli,” wrote another, referring to the pop duo who were stripped of their Grammy in 1990 after the revelation that they had not sung on their recordings.
Kid Rock, bro, I'm embarrassed for you. This was a great opportunity for you. Worst lip syncing I've ever seen and I remember Milli Vanilli.
— ℭ𝔥𝔲𝔠𝔨 ℭ𝔞𝔯𝔯𝔬𝔩𝔩 (@CCarroll111) February 9, 2026
Kid Rock’s lip syncing is even more egregious than Ashlee Simpson and Millie Vanilli pic.twitter.com/Yiz3RrxQ1j
— Geoff Coffelt (@Skate_a_book) February 9, 2026
Trump criticizes Bad Bunny halftime show, makes no mention of TPUSA event
07:45 , Shahana YasminDonald Trump publicly criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance Sunday night, calling it “absolutely terrible” in a post on Truth Social and questioning its entertainment value.
“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence,” Trump said on Truth Social approximately 30 minutes after the performance ended.
Trump has said nothing about Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show, which was launched in protest against the NFL’s picks.
Trump slams ‘absolutely terrible’ Bad Bunny halftime show
ICYMI: Turning Point USA kicks off "All American Halftime Show"
07:15 , Shahana YasminTPUSA's halftime show hits 6.1 million viewers
05:35 , Shahana YasminStreamed opposite Bad Bunny’s official Super Bowl LX halftime performance, Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” drew as many as 6.1 million concurrent viewers on its YouTube livestream Sunday, according to The New York Times.
The show was meant to be streamed on X as well, but last-minute “licensing restrictions” forced organisers to pull the feed from the social media platform.
Pollster says TPUSA halftime show drew 'significant' number of viewers
04:45 , Brendan RasciusFrank Luntz, a veteran political consultant and pollster, said that Turning Point USA’s halftime show drew a sizable number of viewers.
“More than 5 million people tuned into the YouTube live stream for @TPUSA’s All-American Halftime Show,” Luntz wrote on X on Sunday evening. “Regardless of how you feel about politics or music, that’s a significant number for a YouTube event.”
Social media users pan TPUSA’s halftime show as ‘small and unimpressive’
03:13 , Brendan RasciusA number of social media users panned Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show, with some describing it as wholly unremarkable.
The performance — headlined by Kid Rock and streamed live on YouTube — was staged in opposition to the official halftime show at Levi’s Stadium by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. It garnered upwards of four million views.
One X user derided it as “small and unimpressive,” while another went further, calling it “a complete disaster.”
Others questioned the artistic choices made during the 30-minute production.
“5 million people protesting the super bowl halftime show just to watch turning point usa bring out mfs playing the violin,” wrote one X user, referencing the moment a violin was played while Kid Rock was on stage.
Another social media user questioned whether Kid Rock was lip-syncing.
“If TPUSA was smart they should’ve just gotten Nicki Minaj,” wrote one left-leaning commentator.
However, a number of commenters expressed support for the show.
“The All American Halftime Show Was FAR Better Than The Anti-American Trash The NFL Sponsored,” an X user wrote. Kid Rock And Others Crushed It. We are Charlie Now.”
IN PHOTOS: See performers take the stage at Turning Point USA's halftime show
02:55 , Brendan RasciusThe show, which was streamed online on Sunday evening, featured performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice.
Republicans applaud TPUSA's 'All-American' halftime show
02:30 , Brendan RasciusA number of Republican lawmakers praised Turning Point USA’s “All-American” halftime show — which garnered some four million views on YouTube.
“GOD BLESS AMERICA!” Rep. Brian Mast of Florida wrote on X. “Thank you @TPUSA for the best half-time show ever!”
Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona reposted footage of the show — which was staged in protest of Bad Bunny’s official halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium. He wrote: “Americans have had enough of woke garbage pushed by the Left. We’re celebrating what makes America great.”
Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia added that “the real halftime show isn’t at Levi’s Stadium.”
🚨 OVER 5 MILLION PEOPLE are currently watching TPUSA’s halftime show.
— Congressman William Timmons (@RepTimmons) February 9, 2026
Patriots are taking the culture back in real time. 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/LpqyHXHxPI
White House shares video of TPUSA halftime show, and Hegseth says he tuned in
01:58 , Brendan RasciusThe White House has reposted a video of Turning Point USA’s halftime show, which featured Kid Rock and three other country musicians.
A number of other Trump administration officials have expressed support for the performance.
Shortly after the livestream began, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on X: “The Hegseth family is watching.”
TPUSA's halftime show garnered about 4 million views on YouTube
01:50 , Brendan RasciusTurning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl halftime show, which ran for about 30 minutes, garnered roughly four million views on YouTube.
The show was also broadcast on other sites, such as Rumble. But it was not streamed on X due to licensing restrictions.
Lee Brice debuted new song that features commentary on LGBTQ issues
01:45 , Brendan RasciusLee Brice debuted a new song titled “Country Nowadays” that is set to be featured on his new album.
“It ain’t easy being country in this country nowadays,” he sang. “The direction of fingers point when it all goes up in flames, saying I’m some right wing deal, because I was downside red letter raised.”
His lyrics also touched on hot-button cultural issues.
“If I tell my own daughter, that little boys ain’t little girls… I’d be in hot water,” he sang. “Saying I’m some right-wing because I was down south Jesus raised!”
Kid Rock has taken the stage at the 'All-American' halftime show
01:42 , Brendan RasciusKid Rock, TPUSA’s headliner, took the stage last. One of the songs he performed was ‘Til You Can’t’ by Cody Johnson.
Lee Brice performs songs 'Drinking Class' and 'Memory I Don't Mess With'
01:32 , Brendan RasciusCountry 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.
Country musician Gabby Barrett takes the stage
01:22 , Brendan RasciusCountry 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.
VIDEO: TPUSA's 'All-American' Super Bowl halftime show kicks off
01:20 , Brendan RasciusTurning Point USA’s ‘All-American’ halftime show has begun. Watch the opening song below.
Brantley Gilbert sings 'Real American' and 'Dirt Road Anthem'
01:17 , Brendan RasciusCountry musician Brantley Gilbert began by singing “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
TPUSA halftime show begins with Star Spangled Banner
01:12 , Brendan RasciusTPUSA’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.
Location of TPUSA's halftime remains unknown
Sunday 8 February 2026 23:20 , Brendan RasciusTurning 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.
Video: Logan Paul asked if he's excited for Bad Bunny's halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 22:00 , Brendan RasciusInternet personality Logan Paul was asked if he is excited for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance this evening. See his response below.
Country singer Brantley Gilbert defends decision to perform at Turning Point USA’s controversial halftime show
Sunday 8 February 2026 19:35 , Isabel KeaneBrantley 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
Turning Point USA shares video of Charlie Kirk saying Super Bowl should be 'reflection' of what 'you want society to embody'
Sunday 8 February 2026 19:00 , Isabel KeaneConservative 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.
“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.”
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) February 7, 2026
That's why we've made the All-American Halftime Show.
Watch tomorrow around 8PM ET. pic.twitter.com/qyBWUlamlq
“That's why we've made the All-American Halftime Show,” the conservative organization notes in the post.
Kid Rock addresses backlash to performance on social media
Sunday 8 February 2026 17:00 , Isabel KeaneDays 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.
