Bad Bunny tops Kid Rock in Super Bowl showdown as poll shows 35% favor NFL halftime over 28%

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Public interest appears to be tilting firmly toward Bad Bunny ahead of the Super Bowl, as a new national poll shows more Americans plan to tune in to the NFL halftime show than the conservative-backed alternative concert. 

The findings were released on February 6, just ahead of the game.

Poll shows Bad Bunny leading Kid Rock in viewer interest

According to a YouGov America survey, 35 percent of respondents said they are more interested in watching Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, compared to 28 percent who said they would prefer Turning Point USA’s alternative performance headlined by Kid Rock.

The poll highlights a clear edge for the Puerto Rican superstar as anticipation builds for the biggest night in American sports. Bad Bunny is set to make history as the first solo Latin artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

While interest remains divided along political lines, the overall numbers suggest the NFL’s choice is resonating with a broader audience than its conservative-backed rival.

The YouGov poll was based on two surveys conducted between February 4 and February 6. The first included 3,023 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of 2 percent. The second survey included 7,305 adults, with a margin of error of approximately 1.5 percent.

Trump criticism fuels backlash over Bad Bunny halftime show

Bad Bunny’s selection was not without controversy. Conservatives criticized the National Football League for choosing the rapper, citing his outspoken support for Puerto Rican and immigrant rights.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision, calling the halftime pick “ridiculous.” The backlash grew strong enough that Turning Point USA announced plans for a competing broadcast.

Shortly after the NFL’s announcement last September, Turning Point revealed it would host an “All American Halftime Show” featuring Kid Rock. The alternative concert is scheduled to stream on the group’s social media platforms at 8 pm on February 9, around the same time Bad Bunny is expected to take the Super Bowl stage.

The YouGov poll revealed sharp differences based on political affiliation.

Among Republican respondents, 55 percent said they prefer Turning Point USA’s Kid Rock–led show, while just 13 percent said they would watch Bad Bunny’s performance. Democratic respondents showed the opposite trend, with 63 percent favoring Bad Bunny’s halftime show and only 7 percent preferring the conservative alternative.

More broadly, 34 percent of all respondents said they are very or somewhat satisfied with Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime performer, while 26 percent said they are very or somewhat dissatisfied, underscoring the ongoing debate over the choice.

Bad Bunny doubles down on immigration stance

Bad Bunny has remained vocal amid the controversy. The artist has refused to tour in the mainland United States, citing concerns over immigration enforcement operations at his concerts. He has also been a frequent critic of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

At the Grammy Awards last, Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for “Album of the Year” to speak out against immigration enforcement actions, specifically referencing operations in Minnesota.

“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” he said during the ceremony. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.”