Bill Maher Questioned Kid Rock's 'Christian' Halftime Show Amid Bad Bunny's NFL Performance

Maher asked Kid Rock if it would have been 'more Christian' to let Bad Bunny have his moment during the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Comedian Bill Maher revealed that he sent Kid Rock a text message after the singer performed at Turning Point USA's All-American Halftime Show during Super Bowl LX. Maher asked Kid Rock if it would have been 'a little more Christian to let Mr. Bunny have his moment' instead of competing with Bad Bunny's NFL halftime show. The All-American Halftime Show was an alternative event organized by the conservative group Turning Point USA, which promised to celebrate 'faith, family and freedom' in contrast to Bad Bunny's performance.

Why it matters

The competing halftime shows highlighted the ongoing culture war between conservative and liberal factions in the US, with Turning Point USA's event seen as a rebuke of the NFL's decision to feature the Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny. Maher's text to Kid Rock suggests some level of discomfort even among more moderate voices about the political nature of the alternative halftime show.

The details

Turning Point USA, the conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, hosted its own 'All-American Halftime Show' as an alternative to the NFL's selection of Bad Bunny. The TPUSA event featured performances by Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Gabby Barrett. After the show, TPUSA paid tribute to its late founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in 2025 at age 31. Kid Rock had expressed excitement about the chance to 'challenge the NFL' during its premier event.

  • The All-American Halftime Show took place on February 8, 2026 during Super Bowl LX.
  • Maher revealed he sent the text message to Kid Rock after the performance.

The players

Bill Maher

A 70-year-old comedian and host of the political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher.

Kid Rock

An American singer-songwriter who performed at the Turning Point USA's All-American Halftime Show during Super Bowl LX.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican reggaeton star who headlined the NFL's official Super Bowl LX halftime show.

Turning Point USA

A conservative and right-wing organization that hosted the alternative 'All-American Halftime Show' during Super Bowl LX.

Charlie Kirk

The late founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed in 2025 at age 31.

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What they’re saying

“Wouldn't it have been a little more Christian to let Mr. Bunny have his moment?”

— Bill Maher (CNN)

“We plan to play great songs for folks who love America. 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?”

— Kid Rock (Statement)

“The more often that you choose the deep, the difficult, but the right path over the easy path is one that will reward you, your family and this beautiful nation.”

— Charlie Kirk, Founder, Turning Point USA (Tribute video)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Turning Point USA will continue to organize alternative halftime shows in future Super Bowls, or if the controversy over this year's event will lead the NFL to reconsider its halftime show selection process.

The takeaway

The competing halftime shows during Super Bowl LX highlighted the deep political divisions in the US, with Turning Point USA's event seen as a conservative counterpoint to the NFL's selection of the Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny. Maher's text to Kid Rock suggests even some moderate voices were uncomfortable with the political nature of the alternative halftime show.