Turning Point USA’s Halftime Show Meets Expectations
On Sunday evening, Turning Point USA presented an alternative halftime show during Super Bowl LX. The event, titled “The All-American Halftime Show,” took place at an undisclosed location and attracted a small crowd of around 200 attendees. This counterprogramming aimed to challenge the popularity of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance, which is celebrated for its Latin music and cultural influence.
Showcase of Country Stars
The event featured a lineup of MAGA-aligned country artists, with Kid Rock headlining the show. Known for his unique style, he garnered attention as he entered wearing jorts and a fedora. Despite the anticipated political charge, the performance did not heavily focus on ideological messaging.
Viewership and Streaming Details
- The show streamed on platforms such as Rumble, DailyWire+, and various YouTube channels.
- Blake Neff, producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, claimed over 5 million live viewers watched the YouTube stream.
- As of the article’s publication, the stream had accumulated more than 16 million views.
Initially, TPUSA intended to broadcast the event on X, but licensing issues prevented this plan.
Tribute to Charlie Kirk
The performance included tributes to Charlie Kirk, the TPUSA founder who passed away in September during a campus talk. However, his widow, Erika Kirk, did not appear at the event.
Comments and Reactions
- Former President Donald Trump criticized Bad Bunny’s halftime show, calling it “one of the worst, EVER!”
- The Democratic Party’s official X account responded to Trump’s remarks about Bad Bunny, highlighting his lack of attention to TPUSA’s concert.
The livestream featured a message from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, expressing pride in supporting the event. Viewers were invited to engage with Turning Point USA by calling a listed phone number to start or join a chapter.
Performance Highlights
The show kicked off with Brantley Gilbert, who performed “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song popularized by Jason Aldean in 2010. The performance included striking pyrotechnic effects and Gilbert rapped into a brass knuckle-adorned microphone.
Gabby Barrett followed, entertaining the MAGA-themed audience before Lee Brice took the stage. Brice dedicated part of his performance to Charlie Kirk, emphasizing the importance of free expression. He premiered a new song titled “Country Nowadays,” which addressed contemporary gender politics.
- The lyrics included a line reflecting on the challenges of discussing gender identity: “I’d be up the creek in hot water.”
- The chorus echoed the sentiment of navigating modernity while maintaining a country identity.
While the “The All-American Halftime Show” aimed to resonate with a particular audience, it ultimately fell short of delivering a provocative message compared to the mainstream halftime performances of Super Bowl LX.
