Turning Point USA’s Patriotic Halftime Show Draws Massive Audience During Super Bowl LX
In a bold counterprogramming move, Turning Point USA hosted an “All-American” halftime spectacular that attracted millions of viewers during Super Bowl LX, positioning itself as a patriotic alternative to the NFL’s official halftime performance featuring Bad Bunny.
The conservative organization’s hour-long musical celebration launched just moments before the traditional Super Bowl halftime show, gaining significant traction across multiple conservative media platforms and securing backing from the Trump administration.
A Tribute to Conservative Values and Charlie Kirk
The event served dual purposes: celebrating American culture while honoring the late Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA’s founder who frequently shared his perspectives on Super Bowl halftime shows, recognizing them as culturally significant moments.
“This one’s for you, Charlie!” declared TPUSA host Jack Posobiec as the show commenced, setting an emotional tone for the evening.
Star-Studded Lineup Celebrates American Pride
The concert featured powerhouse country artists including Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, all performing against a backdrop of spectacular pyrotechnics characteristic of TPUSA productions.
Kid Rock kicked off the evening with a stirring electric guitar rendition of “America the Beautiful,” immediately capturing viewers’ attention. Gilbert followed with selections from his catalog, while Barrett delivered her chart-topping hit “I Hope.”
Lee Brice brought emotional depth with performances of “Drinking Class” and “Cry” before Kid Rock returned for an intimate acoustic version of Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t,” as audience members illuminated the venue with glowing wristbands.
Unprecedented Digital Viewership
The YouTube livestream peaked at over 5 million concurrent viewers, demonstrating substantial appetite for alternative Super Bowl programming among conservative audiences nationwide.
The production concluded near 9 p.m. EST with a moving tribute to Kirk, emphasizing his belief that cultural moments like the Super Bowl halftime show represent critical opportunities to influence American values.
Presidential Commentary Follows Performance
President Trump weighed in shortly after the official NFL halftime show concluded, posting sharp criticism on Truth Social.
“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” Trump wrote, characterizing it as “an affront to the Greatness of America” that fails to represent American standards of excellence.
He specifically criticized the Spanish-language performance and choreography, expressing concern about its appropriateness for young viewers watching domestically and internationally.
Background: The Genesis of the Alternative Show
TPUSA rapidly organized this counter-event following Bad Bunny’s October comments suggesting critics had “four months to learn Spanish” to appreciate his music after being announced as the Super Bowl headliner.
The alternative broadcast reflects ongoing cultural debates about representation, language, and American identity in major entertainment events, with Kirk having previously emphasized the Super Bowl halftime show as essential battleground for cultural influence.
This unprecedented split in Super Bowl viewership highlights deepening divisions in how Americans consume and interpret major sporting and cultural events.