Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Divides Audiences

Turning Point USA's 'All-American' Alternative Draws Criticism for Inflammatory Rhetoric

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The announcement that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show sparked backlash from some right-wing commentators who argued the Puerto Rican artist didn't represent 'true American' music. In response, the conservative group Turning Point USA hosted its own 'All-American Halftime Show' featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. While the Turning Point event was meant to celebrate 'faith, family and freedom,' the author argues it ended up being more politically divisive than Bad Bunny's inclusive performance.

Why it matters

The debate over the Super Bowl halftime show performers highlights the ongoing political and cultural divisions in the US, with some audiences wanting entertainment free of social or political messaging, while others see representation of diverse artists and perspectives as important. The contrasting approaches of Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA's events reflect these competing views on the role of major events and popular culture.

The details

Bad Bunny's halftime show featured him taking the audience on a journey through Puerto Rican culture and history, culminating in a moment where he grasped a football and listed every country in North, Central and South America, saying 'God Bless America.' This inclusive message was in contrast to Turning Point USA's 'All-American Halftime Show,' which featured inflammatory lyrics from Lee Brice about 'cancel culture' and being labeled a 'right-wing devil.' The audience's enthusiastic response to these divisive lyrics revealed the political motivations behind Turning Point's event.

  • Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026.
  • Turning Point USA hosted its 'All-American Halftime Show' as an alternative to Bad Bunny's performance.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican musician who headlined the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026 with a performance focused on celebrating Latin American culture and unity.

Turning Point USA

A conservative non-profit organization that hosted an 'All-American Halftime Show' as an alternative to Bad Bunny's performance, with the intent of celebrating 'faith, family and freedom.'

Kid Rock

A musician who performed at Turning Point USA's 'All-American Halftime Show' and criticized Bad Bunny's planned performance.

Lee Brice

A country music artist who performed at Turning Point USA's 'All-American Halftime Show' and sang lyrics critical of 'cancel culture' and being labeled a 'right-wing devil.'

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What they’re saying

“[Bad Bunny] 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.”

— Kid Rock (thebatt.com)

“Be told if I tell my own daughter that little boys ain't little girls, I'd be up the creek in hot water in this 'cancel your ass' world", "I'm a downright hateful monster if I back the blue and badge", and "Saying I'm some right-wing devil 'cause I was rippin' and Jesus raised.”

— Lee Brice, Country Music Artist (thebatt.com)

The takeaway

The contrasting approaches of Bad Bunny's inclusive halftime show and Turning Point USA's divisive 'All-American' alternative reflect the ongoing cultural and political tensions in the US. While some audiences want entertainment free of social or political messaging, others see representation of diverse artists and perspectives as important. This debate highlights the challenge of uniting a polarized nation through major events and popular culture.