Roger Goodell defends Bad Bunny for Super Bowl halftime show
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell defends decision to have Bad Bunny as Super Bowl halftime performer, recognizing his international fame.
Turning Point USA recently announced the lineup for its “All-American Halftime Show,” with several country music artists expected to perform.
The show, put on by the conservative organization to compete with Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, will feature performances by Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice. Gabby Barrett, 2021 winner of new female artist of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, will also perform.
Here’s what we know.
Who is performing at the Turning Point USA halftime show?
Artists like Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett will perform during the Turning Point USA “All-American Halftime Show.”
Kid Rock is a close ally of President Donald Trump, becoming more outspoken in his conservative beliefs in recent years. Both Gilbert and Brice are mid-level stars in the country music space; Gilbert is known for hits like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “Bottoms Up” while Brice is known for tracks like “One of Them Girls” and “Rumor.”
Barrett is the only female performer to be announced so far, breaking through with her hit single “I Hope.
“We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” Kid Rock previously said in a release announcing the lineup. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it?”
The country star continued, taking jabs at Bad Bunny: “He’s said he’s having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America.”
What is the alternative halftime show?
Turning Point, founded by late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, announced in October that it would put on an alternative Super Bowl halftime performance after the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny as a headlining artist sparked controversy.
Watch Super Bowl LX on Peacock
Who is Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny, a Latin superstar who hails from Puerto Rico, sings primarily in Spanish and has been critical of Trump’s deportation efforts in the past. When he was announced as the Super Bowl’s lead performer, several conservative pundits, and Trump himself, criticized the choice, alleging he wasn’t a popular enough artist and that he was a divisive pick. Bad Bunny was Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally in 2025.
Why some politicians are mad about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance
How to watch the Turning Point USA alternative Super Bowl halftime show
In protest, Turning Point will stream their “All-American Half-time Show” celebrating “faith, family, and freedom” on their social channels, as well as several conservative networks, including Real America’s Voice and OAN.
“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,” Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet said in the release. “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.”
Contributing: Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY. Reach Marina Johnson at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.indystar.com ’
