TPUSA’s 'All-American Halftime Show' pulls 5M YouTube viewers as fans reject NFL’s Bad Bunny set

Turning Point USA’s online halftime event drew millions on YouTube, streaming a lineup of country and rock acts as a patriotic alternative to the NFL show
PUBLISHED FEB 9, 2026
The patriotic halftime concert drew massive online attention as viewers flocked to TPUSA’s alternative broadcast (@TPUSA/X)
The patriotic halftime concert drew massive online attention as viewers flocked to TPUSA’s alternative broadcast (@TPUSA/X)

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: Turning Point USA’s "All-American Halftime Show” drew massive online attention, pulling in millions of viewers who opted for an alternative to the NFL’s Super Bowl 60 halftime performance. 

The conservative youth organization reported that the livestream peaked at more than 4.7 million live viewers on YouTube, with overall viewership surpassing 5 million. The concert aired at the same time as the Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny.

The event also included a tribute to the organization’s late founder, Charlie Kirk, who passed away in late 2025.



TPUSA halftime show draws massive online turnout

The “All-American Halftime Show” was launched as a direct cultural response to the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny.

At its peak, the livestream reached 4.7 million concurrent viewers on YouTube, drawing a significant share of Turning Point USA’s more than 6.3 million subscribers on the platform.

TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk, framed the concert as a “pro-America” alternative aimed at families seeking different entertainment options.

Appearing on 'The Story with Martha MacCallum, with guest host Trace Gallagher, Kirk said, “That’s the thing that’s so beautiful about Turning Point USA and all of our programs. It’s holistic. It’s for the entire home. It’s for every age. And so for us to be able to provide an alternative that’s pro-America, that’s just pro everything — that’s not the opposite of what they’re putting out there."

Kirk emphasized that TPUSA’s goal was not to attack the NFL or its halftime headliner, but to offer a patriotic option for viewers who felt underserved by mainstream programming.

Conservative commentators had previously voiced criticism over the league’s choice of Bad Bunny, prompting TPUSA to organize a simultaneous broadcast centered on traditional American values. 



Artists say show celebrates American values

The lineup featured country music stars Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, who performed her hit song “I Hope” during the broadcast.

Kid Rock, the night’s headliner, said the concert was designed for Americans who feel disconnected from mainstream culture.

Referencing the NFL’s halftime performer, Kid Rock said, "He's said he's having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America.”

President Donald Trump had also weighed in earlier on Bad Bunny’s selection, saying he had “never heard” of the Grammy-winning artist.



Tribute honors late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk

The evening went beyond music with a tribute to TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.

The show concluded with a montage highlighting Kirk’s life and work, followed by a message on screen reading, “In loving memory of our Founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk,” alongside the Bible verse, “Here I am, send me.”

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