Kid Rock performs before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the inauguration, on Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP
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Alex Brandon/AP
As millions tuned in to watch Super Bowl XL featuring a halftime show by Bad Bunny, another event took place simultaneously with Kid Rock headlining.
Conservative group Turning Point USA organized their own halftime program with performances by country artists Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice.
The show kicked off with a guitar rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” followed by Gilbert playing “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
Kid Rock closed the show with his classic hit “Bawitdaba” and a cover of “‘Til You Can’t” originally by Cody Johnson.
A tribute to the late Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk was shown at the end of the halftime show, featuring photos and videos.
The halftime performance lasted about 30 minutes, extending into the third quarter of the Super Bowl game. Over 4 million viewers streamed the show live on YouTube.
Turning Point’s All American Halftime Show was organized in response to the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny, prompting backlash from conservatives who criticized the choice of a Spanish-speaking artist. Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican native, was born in a U.S. territory.
Former President Trump criticized the NFL’s halftime show, calling it “absolutely terrible” and expressing disdain for Bad Bunny’s performance, claiming it was incomprehensible and inappropriate for young viewers.
