Kid Rock Slams NFL’s Choice — Plots “Patriot Halftime Show” to Outshine Bad Bunny
In a dramatic turn in the ongoing Super Bowl cultural war, rock legend Kid Rock reportedly is seething over the NFL’s decision to name Bad Bunny as the headliner for the the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show — and he’s now said to be planning a rival Turning Point USA “Patriot Halftime Show” in hopes of outdrawing the mainstream performance.
A Clash of Cultures
The NFL surprised many when it announced that Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap star Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, s at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Washington Post+3Wikipedia+3EW.com+3 The move immediately triggered pushback from conservative commentators and political figures, who argue that America’s biggest stage should spotlight English-language “American” musicians.
Bad Bunny, who typically sings in Spanish and has been vocal in his criticism of Trump-era immigration policies, already had stirred controversy before the halftime announcement. People.com+2The Washington Post+2 He addressed his critics during a “Saturday Night Live” monologue, joking that viewers “have four months to learn Spanish.”
Kid Rock Enters the Fray
According to social media and media reports, Kid Rock is outraged by what he sees as a betrayal of traditional American music values. Posts suggest he plans to headline a “Patriot Halftime Show” organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative nonprofit founded by Charlie Kirk. AOL+3EW.com+3The Washington Post+3 The idea: to mount a counterprogramming spectacle that will siphon off viewership and prove “fans still want American singers on America’s biggest stage.”
Turning Point USA has already teased an “All American Halftime Show”—inviting public input on genres (Pop, Americana, Worship, “Anything in English”) and emphasizing themes of faith, family, and freedom. EW.com+1 No official lineup or broadcast partner has been confirmed.
Despite the buzz, fact-checkers caution that much is still rumor. Reports that Kid Rock’s counter show sold out an Atlanta stadium in minutes have been debunked. Yahoo As of now, the TPUSA event remains speculative and in early planning stages.
Why All the Backlash?
Critics of the NFL’s Bad Bunny pick argue it reflects political messaging more than entertainment strategy. Some see it as a push for diversity and inclusion, while others view it as a slap at conservative audiences. Detractors point to Bad Bunny’s past remarks on immigration and his decision to limit U.S. tour dates over ICE concerns.
On the flip side, defenders argue that Bad Bunny’s selection is a historical milestone: he is the first primarily Spanish-language solo artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. They see the outrage as culture war posturing driven by identity politics.
The Stakes: Viewers, Ratings, and Symbolism
The Super Bowl halftime is among the most-watched television events in America, presenting both a platform and a symbol. A successful counterperformance by Kid Rock and TPUSA—if it materializes—could shift narratives around what types of entertainment “represent America.” But it also risks fracturing audiences further.
TPUSA’s counterprogramming would join a tradition of alternative halftime shows designed as cultural pushback. Historically, counterprogramming has often been about ratings or branding; this time, the battle is more ideological. Wikipedia+2EW.com+2
Final Thought
For now, Kid Rock’s “Patriot Halftime Show” remains talk, not confirmed schedule. Yet even in the planning phase, it underscores how politicized popular culture has become in America. Whether this rivalry turns into ratings warfare or fizzles before kickoff is yet to be seen—but the message is clear: in 2026, the Super Bowl is shaping up to be more than just sport and song.
