This was a bigger success than expected.
An alternative Super Bowl halftime show backed by Turning Point USA sparked major conversation Sunday night, drawing millions of viewers and highlighting growing frustration among fans with the NFL’s cultural direction.
The event, billed as the “All-American Halftime Show,” streamed live on YouTube during the same window as the NFL’s official halftime performance. While the league featured Bad Bunny, the Turning Point USA broadcast showcased Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett — artists known for their country roots and patriotic appeal.
Millions of viewers tuned in to the alternative program, with livestream numbers climbing into the multi-million range and reportedly peaking at around five million concurrent viewers. Supporters praised the show for emphasizing American pride, traditional values, and music styles they feel have been pushed aside by major entertainment platforms.
During the broadcast, the show paused for a tribute honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. As Kid Rock concluded one of his performances, a memorial message appeared on screen accompanied by images of Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their children. The moment resonated strongly with many viewers and was widely shared across social media.
Reaction online was swift and divided.
Some critics described the performance as underwhelming, while others questioned Kid Rock’s vocals. Country singer Kacey Musgraves weighed in on X, stating that the NFL’s halftime show made her feel “more proudly American” than Kid Rock’s music — a comment that quickly drew pushback from conservative users.
On the other side of the debate, influencer Jake Paul publicly criticized the NFL’s halftime selection even before the show aired. In a series of posts on X, Paul encouraged fans to turn off the halftime broadcast as a form of protest, arguing that viewership gives corporations their power.
Paul also questioned why the NFL chose Bad Bunny, claiming the artist has previously expressed views critical of the United States. While his comments sparked controversy, they also amplified calls for fans to support alternatives outside the league’s official programming.
Many viewers voiced strong approval of the Turning Point USA event. Social media users described the show as “patriotic,” “moving,” and “refreshing,” with several saying they were pleasantly surprised after tuning in out of curiosity. Others said the artists delivered performances that felt more aligned with traditional American values than the NFL’s offering.
Not all reactions were positive. Some users criticized Turning Point USA directly, while others argued that neither halftime option delivered a standout performance. A handful of commenters dismissed the alternative show entirely, calling it inferior to the NFL’s production.
The competing halftime broadcasts underscored a broader cultural divide that continues to grow in American entertainment. As President Trump’s influence reshapes political and cultural conversations nationwide, even long-standing institutions like the NFL are facing increased scrutiny from fans who feel disconnected from the league’s choices.
