Kid Rock’s MAGA Halftime Show Returns After X Pulls It
The debate surrounding the Super Bowl halftime shows has intensified, particularly with the announcement of Turning Point USA’s alternative event featuring Kid Rock. Just before the Super Bowl began, the conservative organization revealed that due to licensing restrictions, the “All-American Halftime Show” would not be streamed live on X. Instead, viewers were directed to their YouTube channel to catch the performance around 8:00 p.m. ET.
Turning Point USA’s Halftime Show Details
The alternative halftime show was organized in response to the backlash against Bad Bunny’s selection as the official Super Bowl performer. This decision had generated significant conservative criticism since last October when it was first announced. Bad Bunny had recently made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year for his album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
Public Response and Survey Results
Despite the negative sentiment from some Republican lawmakers, who labeled Bad Bunny as “woke,” a recent YouGov America survey indicated that more viewers were interested in watching Bad Bunny perform than the Kid Rock-led event. The survey found that 35% of respondents preferred Bad Bunny’s show, compared to 28% who favored the TPUSA halftime performance.
Featured Performances
- Lee Brice: Performed “Drinking Class,” garnering applause from attendees.
- Gabby Barrett: Sang her hit “I Hope,” which features Charlie Puth.
- Brantley Gilbert: Kicked off his set with “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
Pre-Show Activities
The event commenced with an electric guitar rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, dedicated to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Over a million users were reported waiting on YouTube to watch the show, which faced some confusion when a countdown clock ended, yet did not signal the start of the performance.
Influencer Reactions
Some individuals, including influencer Jake Paul, expressed their intent to “turn off” Bad Bunny’s halftime show on social media, encouraging others to join him. He criticized the choice of Bad Bunny, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with corporate decisions regarding entertainment.
Final Notes
As the controversy surrounding these performances unfolds, it reflects broader societal sentiments and divisions concerning entertainment choices and cultural representation in significant public events like the Super Bowl.
