While Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny performed his set in Spanish at the Super Bowl, Kid Rock headlined an alternative concert honoring Charlie Kirk.
“This one’s for you, Charlie.”
With those words, conservative commentator Jack Prosobiec paid tribute to the late Turning Point USA co-founder while debuting the organization’s “All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8, moments before Bad Bunny took the stage at Levi’s Stadium at the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California.
Origins of the dueling halftime performances date back to last year, when the NFL named Bad Bunny to headline the halftime show in September. The rock band Green Day was added to lead the opening ceremony. Both acts have openly criticized President Donald Trump.
The NFL’s decision motivated Turning Point USA to create the All-American Halftime Show as an alternative, providing entertainment for viewers that celebrate “American culture, freedom, and faith,” a Turning Point USA statement noted.
Kid Rock was the most notable name in Turning Point USA’s event.
The counter-programming also showcased performances by country singers Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett.
Robert James Ritchie, the man behind Kid Rock, 55, started his career as a hip-hop artist before exploring multiple genres, including country rock. He won Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist at the American Music Awards in 2003.
Kid Rock has performed at political events for Trump and is a vocal supporter of the president.
Last week, Kid Rock said that the All-American Halftime Show wasn’t intended to make a political statement but was for the enjoyment of people who “love Jesus” and “love America.”
“One thing important that I would like to get out there and say to everyone is that, I think I speak for us all at Turning Point, the other artists that are performing, when I say that in no way, shape, or form—don’t let the left twist this around—like, in no way are we approaching this with any hate in our hearts,” he said in a video posted on X with conservative political commentator Benny Johnson.
“We’re simply going to go play some great songs, like I’ve said, for our base—people who love football, love America, love good music, love Jesus,” Kid Rock continued. “It’s pretty much that simple.”
