“Kid Rock is set to headline Turning Point USA’s MAGA-friendly alternative “All-American” Super Bowl halftime show, the organization announced on Monday. TPUSA — the organization co-founded by the assassinated right-wing political figure Charlie Kirk — had first announced its plans for a halftime show of its own last fall, following conservative backlash over the selection”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
TPUSA — the organization co-founded by the assassinated right-wing political figure Charlie Kirk — had first announced its plans for a halftime show of its own last fall, following conservative backlash over the selection of Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny to headline this year’s event.
“We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” Kid Rock said in a statement about the upcoming show. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it?”
Bad Bunny, himself a US citizen, has been vocal in his criticism of Donald Trump, previously saying in an interview that he wouldn’t tour in the US over fear of ICE raids.
He made history at the Grammys last night, becoming the first artist to ever win album of the year for a non-English-language album. During an acceptance speech before that victory for best música urbana album, Bad Bunny had called for “ICE Out” before adding that “we’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.”
Whether it was a political choice or not, Bad Bunny is without question one of the world’s biggest musicians and a choice that appears to reflect the NFL’s goal of courting a more international audience. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last week, Oliver Schusser, head of Super Bowl halftime show sponsor Apple Music, applauded the NFL and Roc Nation’s selection.
“Pick any artist that you would actually put on that stage, and then imagine, will 100 percent of the people be happy with that artist,” Schusser said. “I’m very proud to be working with them on this, and they made a great choice.”
Aside from Kid Rock, a vocal Trump ally, the lineup also includes musicians Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett. The show will air on TPUSA’s socials, as well as Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, TBN, CHARGE!, The National News Desk, NTD.com and OAN News.
“The All-American Halftime Show is an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family and freedom,” Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said in a statement.