Controversy Swirls Around Super Bowl Halftime Show

Conservatives host alternative 'All-American' halftime show as NFL features Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The upcoming Super Bowl halftime show featuring Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny has sparked controversy, with some conservatives criticizing the NFL's choice and hosting an alternative 'All-American' halftime show featuring Kid Rock. The debate has divided opinions in the community, with a local sports executive's social media post catching backlash before he apologized for missing the mark.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched television events, making the performer's selection a hot-button issue. The controversy highlights the political divisions in the country, as some view Bad Bunny's selection as divisive while others see it as an opportunity for unity and representation.

The details

The NFL has selected Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. Bad Bunny, who is from Puerto Rico, has been critical of the Trump administration's policies, including its immigration crackdown. In response, the conservative group Turning Point USA is hosting an 'All-American Halftime Show' featuring Kid Rock that will air at the same time as the official halftime show. The move has generated interest, with some community members expressing excitement about the alternative option. However, a local sports executive's social media post criticizing the NFL's selection and praising the alternative show caught backlash before he apologized, acknowledging that his post 'completely missed the mark'.

  • The Super Bowl halftime show is scheduled for February 11, 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican artist who is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Turning Point USA

A conservative group hosting an 'All-American Halftime Show' featuring Kid Rock that will air at the same time as the official halftime show.

Jaydon Gritters

The president of the Turning Point USA Calvin University chapter, who is excited about the alternative halftime show option.

Tim Gortsema

The president of the Grand Rapids Griffins, who made a social media post criticizing the NFL's halftime show selection before apologizing.

Robert Alvarez

An attorney who criticized Gortsema's social media post, but later accepted his apology as sincere.

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What they’re saying

“What we're excited about is that this alternative halftime show provides people with an option to celebrate with their families. To celebrate family, to celebrate faith and celebrate freedom.”

— Jaydon Gritters, Turning Point USA Calvin University chapter president (woodtv.com)

“Initially the post was really just intended to be pro faith / pro family / pro America. I was pleased that an alternative halftime option was made available that I felt better aligned with my personal values. I did feel the NFL's selection was divisive and happening at a time when our nation is too divisive. However, I quickly learned that my post was unfortunately doing the exact same thing. As such, I immediately deleted it upon coming to that realization. In hindsight (and while no malice or ill will was intended), the post completely missed the mark and was wrong. I have personally apologized to any persons that have reached out to me directly.”

— Tim Gortsema, President of the Grand Rapids Griffins (woodtv.com)

“I did consider his call with me to be sincere and to be genuine. He acknowledged that he made a mistake. He didn't try and cover it up and he didn't try and explain it away. He said I made a mistake and I'm sorry.”

— Robert Alvarez, Attorney (woodtv.com)

What’s next

The NFL and Turning Point USA have not announced any further details about their respective halftime show plans.

The takeaway

The controversy over the Super Bowl halftime show performer highlights the deep political divisions in the country, with some viewing the NFL's selection of Bad Bunny as divisive while others see it as an opportunity for representation and unity. The debate has sparked a competing 'All-American' halftime show, underscoring the need for more open and respectful dialogue around issues that have become highly polarized.