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Turning Point halftime show latest: Kid Rock’s MAGA counter-programming set runs long and ends with Charlie Kirk montage
MAGA-friendly Super Bowl alternative to Bad Bunny featured Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and more
Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl halftime show ran long and ended with a montage to deceased activist Charlie Kirk.
The show — which streamed live during Bad Bunny’s official half-time show at Levi’s Stadium in California — featured performances from Kid Rock and three other country musicians: Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett.
After garnering about 4.5 million views, the production came to a close after the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks resumed the game.
Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk, announced its alternative halftime show last October amid mounting conservative criticism over the selection of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper, as the Super Bowl halftime performer.
The White House expressed support for TPUSA’s show, reposting a video of it on social media. And Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on X that his family had tuned in.
President Trump also bashed the official Super Bowl mid-game show in a post on Truth Social, labeling it “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst, EVER!”
But, despite harsh criticism from Trump and his allies, more Americans were interested in watching Bad Bunny perform in Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show than Turning Point USA’s MAGA fest.
A YouGov America survey released Friday found that 35 percent of respondents prefer Bad Bunny’s show compared to 28 percent who said they were more interested in the Kid Rock-headlined event.
IN PHOTOS: See performers take the stage at Turning Point USA's halftime show
The show, which was streamed online on Sunday evening, featured performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice.
Megyn Kelly says she's 'in tears' over Kid Rock's halftime show
Right-wing podcaster Megyn Kelly said she was “in tears” over Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl halftime show, which was headlined by Kid Rock.
“Congratulations @TPUSA, I am in tears at that BEAUTIFUL half time show,” the host of The Megyn Kelly Show wrote on X on Sunday evening. “Everyone did a spectacular job - it was perfect. THANK YOU!”
Republicans applaud TPUSA's 'All-American' halftime show
A number of Republican lawmakers praised Turning Point USA’s “All-American” halftime show — which garnered some four million views on YouTube.
“GOD BLESS AMERICA!” Rep. Brian Mast of Florida wrote on X. “Thank you @TPUSA for the best half-time show ever!”
Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona reposted footage of the show — which was staged in protest of Bad Bunny’s official halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium. He wrote: “Americans have had enough of woke garbage pushed by the Left. We’re celebrating what makes America great.”
Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia added that “the real halftime show isn’t at Levi’s Stadium.”
White House shares video of TPUSA halftime show, and Hegseth says he tuned in
The White House has reposted a video of Turning Point USA’s halftime show, which featured Kid Rock and three other country musicians.
A number of other Trump administration officials have expressed support for the performance.
Shortly after the livestream began, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on X: “The Hegseth family is watching.”
TPUSA's halftime show garnered about 4 million views on YouTube
Turning Point USA’s “All-American” Super Bowl halftime show, which ran for about 30 minutes, garnered roughly four million views on YouTube.
The show was also broadcast on other sites, such as Rumble. But it was not streamed on X due to licensing restrictions.
Lee Brice debuted new song that features commentary on LGBTQ issues
Lee Brice debuted a new song titled “Country Nowadays” that is set to be featured on his new album.
“It ain’t easy being country in this country nowadays,” he sang. “The direction of fingers point when it all goes up in flames, saying I’m some right wing deal, because I was downside red letter raised.”
His lyrics also touched on hot-button cultural issues.
“If I tell my own daughter, that little boys ain’t little girls… I’d be in hot water,” he sang. “Saying I’m some right-wing because I was down south Jesus raised!”
Kid Rock has taken the stage at the 'All-American' halftime show
Kid Rock, TPUSA’s headliner, took the stage last. One of the songs he performed was ‘Til You Can’t’ by Cody Johnson.
Lee Brice performs songs 'Drinking Class' and 'Memory I Don't Mess With'
Country artist Lee Brice took the stage to perform his song “Drinking Class,” sparking cheers from the audience.
“Charlie, he gave people microphones so they could say what’s on their mind,” he added before launching into a new song.
Country musician Gabby Barrett takes the stage
Country musician Gabby Barrett took the stage to perform her hit song “I hope.”
The song features Charlie Puth, who sang the National Anthem at Levi’s Stadium earlier this evening.
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