On Sunday night, millions of NFL enthusiasts opted to switch from Bad Bunny’s performance to catch Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American’ Super Bowl halftime show.
The NFL’s choice to feature the Puerto Rican rapper, who performed exclusively in Spanish during the San Francisco event, sparked mixed reactions among fans. Many opted to change the channel from NBC, heading instead to platforms like YouTube and Rumble.
The alternative halftime event was headlined by Kid Rock, with performances from Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett adding to the lineup.
Originally slated for a broadcast on X, the show faced unexpected disruptions just before its start, resulting in the cancellation of its stream on that platform.
Turning Point USA addressed the issue with a statement: “UPDATE: Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to stream The All-American Halftime Show on X. Head on over to our YouTube channel tonight around 8PM ET to watch the full show.”
Fans responded by flocking to YouTube, where the live stream impressively attracted over 5 million viewers at its peak.
Kid Rock sent fans wild with his vocals at Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American’ halftime show
At the end of the show, the camera zoomed out to reveal a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk
Kid Rock performed a stripped-back section to end the lengthy rival Super Bowl show
The show started with the host claiming ‘this one’s for you Charlie’, honoring Turning Point USA’s late founder Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in September.
A rocky rendition of the Stars and Stripes was then aired to viewers’ delight, with the stream count climbing to over 3 million fans watching ‘Real America’ in action.
Views continued to rise as Brantley took to the stage in front of a small live audience, before Barrett wowed the crowds with her incredible vocals and Brice then brought his country vibes to proceedings.
The show was then headlined by Kid Rock, who blasted out his hits – much to the delight of the Super Bowl fans who opted against Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and others on the main NBC coverage.
He began his performance in shorts as ‘Kid Rock’, before being introduced by his real name – Robert Ritchie – for a stripped-back acoustic section.
Fans on social media couldn’t get enough of the entertainment, with one writing: ‘Didn’t even watch the stupid Bad Bunny halftime, I’m watching the awesome halftime show Turning Point is putting on with Kid Rick and Gabby Barrett and Brantley Gilbert real American s***’.
Another added: ‘Did anyone actually watch Bad Bunny? Turning Point for me. Kid Rock!’
‘This one’s for you Charlie’ came the message from the host at the start of the show
Gabby Barrett showed off her incredible vocals, much to the delight of the live audience
Brantley Gilbert had his name up in lights and stars surrounding him and his band in the studio
Just before the stream ended, a photo appeared of Charlie and Erica Kirk with their children
At the end of the show, cameras zoomed out from Kid Rock and his guitar to reveal photos of Kirk, his wife Erica and their children, alongside the words: ‘In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk.’
In a statement earlier in the week, Kid Rock had told fans: ‘We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath. Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible… or is it?’
In a statement to Fox News, TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Bad Bunny received a huge backlash from some fans as he prepared to headline the official show in Santa Clara on Sunday night, with President Trump among them.
‘I don’t know who he is,’ Trump told Newsmax last Fall. ‘I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.’
Turning Point USA was founded by the late Charlie Kirk, and his widow, Erika, has vowed to continue to promote his message after he was assassinated in September while taking part in an event at Utah Valley University.
Over 5 million Super Bowl viewers turned off Bad Bunny to enjoy the TPUSA show online
Back in San Francisco, Bad Bunny was performing his all-Spanish songs live on NBC
The Puerto Rican was joined by the likes of Lady Gaga for his Super Bowl LX halftime show
Days after his death, she released a video saying: ‘The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done.
‘They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love.
‘If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.’
Bunny has been extremely vocal in his criticism of ICE, also opting to avoid scheduling US tour dates over concerns his Latino fans could be detained while attending the shows.
