In a move that has been hailed as both a bold statement and a predictable publicity stunt, Kid Rock has been tapped to headline Turning Point USA's alt-Super Bowl show, dubbed the "All-American Halftime Show." The event is set to air on February 8th and promises to be an anti-clapback to Bad Bunny's highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance.
Kid Rock will be joined by a trio of country performers in Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. The lineup was always going to be a long shot, given the vastly different styles and appeal of the artists involved. But hey, who needs authenticity when you've got a star-studded (if not spectacular) lineup?
In a statement that's equal parts confident and cringeworthy, Kid Rock declared the event to be an "All-American" celebration against the "pro football machine" and global pop superstar Bad Bunny. It's clear he's trying to position himself as some kind of David-esque underdog, competing with the might of the NFL and a Grammy-winning artist.
The real question is: who will actually tune in? While TPUSA has been quietly building a loyal following among conservative fans, it remains to be seen whether this alt-Super Bowl show will break through to a broader audience. And let's be honest, if you're looking for an alternative to Bad Bunny, Kid Rock might not be the most compelling choice.
Turning Point USA first floated its idea after Bad Bunny was announced as the Super Bowl headliner, citing concerns over the artist's immigration views and alleged pro-ICE stance. The backlash has since reached all the way to the White House, with President Trump publicly criticizing Green Day for playing a pregame concert. It seems like this alt-Super Bowl show is part of a larger conservative movement to counter-program mainstream culture.
The real kicker comes when Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor describes the specter of ICE agents attending the Super Bowl as "installing fear" in her community. Talk about overplaying your hand, TPUSA. It's clear that this alt-Super Bowl show is more about spouting conservative talking points than delivering an entertaining performance.
In any case, fans looking for a meaningful alternative to Bad Bunny's halftime show might want to check out Kid Rock and the gang. But let's be real β we're all still waiting for someone to challenge the pro football machine on the field.
Kid Rock will be joined by a trio of country performers in Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. The lineup was always going to be a long shot, given the vastly different styles and appeal of the artists involved. But hey, who needs authenticity when you've got a star-studded (if not spectacular) lineup?
In a statement that's equal parts confident and cringeworthy, Kid Rock declared the event to be an "All-American" celebration against the "pro football machine" and global pop superstar Bad Bunny. It's clear he's trying to position himself as some kind of David-esque underdog, competing with the might of the NFL and a Grammy-winning artist.
The real question is: who will actually tune in? While TPUSA has been quietly building a loyal following among conservative fans, it remains to be seen whether this alt-Super Bowl show will break through to a broader audience. And let's be honest, if you're looking for an alternative to Bad Bunny, Kid Rock might not be the most compelling choice.
Turning Point USA first floated its idea after Bad Bunny was announced as the Super Bowl headliner, citing concerns over the artist's immigration views and alleged pro-ICE stance. The backlash has since reached all the way to the White House, with President Trump publicly criticizing Green Day for playing a pregame concert. It seems like this alt-Super Bowl show is part of a larger conservative movement to counter-program mainstream culture.
The real kicker comes when Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor describes the specter of ICE agents attending the Super Bowl as "installing fear" in her community. Talk about overplaying your hand, TPUSA. It's clear that this alt-Super Bowl show is more about spouting conservative talking points than delivering an entertaining performance.
In any case, fans looking for a meaningful alternative to Bad Bunny's halftime show might want to check out Kid Rock and the gang. But let's be real β we're all still waiting for someone to challenge the pro football machine on the field.