Turning Point USA Announces Counter–Super Bowl Halftime Show Amid Bad Bunny Backlash
Conservative non-profit Turning Point USA (TPUSA), co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk, has made it clear: they have zero plans to watch Bad Bunny perform at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. Instead, the organization is taking matters into its own hands, announcing an “All-American Halftime Show” as an alternate event for fans who reject the NFL’s star choice.
The announcement follows widespread online backlash after the NFL named Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar known for his progressive stances and Latin trap hits, as the headline act for Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Conservative commentators and activists quickly framed the selection as evidence of political and cultural overreach, claiming the league prioritized ideology over tradition.
TPUSA’s counter-show aims to provide an alternative for viewers who prefer a performance that aligns with more traditional American music and values. The organization has not revealed the full lineup but is positioning the event as a patriotic celebration featuring multiple genres, appealing to audiences who may feel alienated by Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance.
NFL Backlash and Cultural Divide
The controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance has not been limited to TPUSA. Fans, pundits, and even former athletes have expressed skepticism or outright disapproval. Eric Dickerson, Hall of Fame running back, admitted he had “never heard” of Bad Bunny but suggested the performer could return to Puerto Rico if he didn’t appreciate the United States. His comment underscores the cultural divide that the selection has ignited, highlighting the tension between the league’s efforts to diversify and traditionalists’ expectations.
Bad Bunny himself has faced additional scrutiny. Citing safety concerns, he revealed that he had avoided booking U.S. tour dates over fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents might attend his shows, potentially targeting his fans. This added layer of political controversy further fueled the conversation, with detractors accusing the performer of being anti-American.
Petition Drives and Public Response
In response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking, a petition was launched on Change.org titled “Replace Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl Halftime Show.” As of this writing, more than 8,900 people have signed it. Petition organizers argue that the halftime stage is a national cultural institution and should prioritize performances that resonate broadly with American audiences, rather than reflecting political or linguistic divisions.
Social media platforms have amplified both the criticism and support surrounding the performance. Hashtags such as #ReplaceBadBunny, #AllAmericanHalftime, and #SuperBowlCounterShow have surged, reflecting the national attention the issue has garnered. Memes, reaction videos, and commentary clips have gone viral, further entrenching the debate in the public consciousness.
The All-American Halftime Show Concept
TPUSA’s alternate event is positioned as a direct counterprogramming effort. Organizers have stated that it will cater to fans who feel disconnected from Bad Bunny’s style and political messaging. While details remain scarce, the show is expected to feature English-language music as a primary focus, signaling a clear critique of Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance. Other suggested genres reportedly include Americana, country, classic rock, hip hop, pop, and worship, demonstrating an intention to appeal to a broad conservative-leaning audience.
The organization is leveraging social media and fan input to shape the event. An online form allows potential viewers to indicate their preferred musical genres, creating a sense of participatory engagement and emphasizing the community-focused nature of the counter-show.
Political and Cultural Context
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking is emblematic of a broader cultural shift in American entertainment. The NFL, traditionally seen as a bastion of mainstream Americana, is increasingly reflecting the diversity of its fanbase, which includes significant Latino, urban, and global audiences. Critics argue that this choice represents an ideological pivot, with the halftime show becoming a stage for progressive messaging rather than a unifying cultural spectacle.
TPUSA’s response highlights the growing intersection of politics, culture, and entertainment. By organizing a counter-show, the group is asserting agency over a high-profile national event, challenging the NFL’s authority, and signaling to conservative audiences that alternative spaces for expression and celebration exist.
Industry and Media Implications
For the music and entertainment industries, the announcement of a counter-Super Bowl halftime show is unprecedented. It underscores how political activism and cultural identity are increasingly influencing high-profile media events. Analysts note that if TPUSA executes the event successfully, it could establish a precedent for alternative programming around major national broadcasts, potentially influencing ratings, sponsorships, and future programming decisions.
Record labels, production companies, and media strategists are closely monitoring the situation. While the Super Bowl halftime show has historically been a platform for mainstream artists, the emergence of parallel events could complicate promotional campaigns, advertising contracts, and audience measurement.
Fan and Social Media Engagement
Public engagement has been immediate and robust. Supporters of TPUSA’s initiative have rallied online, framing the alternate halftime show as a reclaiming of traditional American entertainment values. Others have criticized the effort, describing it as divisive or performative. Social media engagement metrics indicate high levels of interaction, with users creating memes, discussion threads, and viral content that reinforces the visibility of the counter-show.
Looking Ahead
As the Super Bowl approaches, attention will remain divided between Bad Bunny’s official performance and TPUSA’s planned alternate show. Questions about logistics, potential performers, and audience reach are central to how the counterprogram will unfold. The NFL, meanwhile, faces a unique challenge: how to maintain broad appeal while navigating ideological controversies surrounding its flagship event.
Observers predict that TPUSA’s initiative will further amplify public discourse on representation, cultural identity, and the role of entertainment in American politics. Whether the alternate show becomes a fully realized production or remains largely symbolic, it has already succeeded in generating national conversation and media coverage.
Conclusion
Turning Point USA’s announcement of an All-American Halftime Show demonstrates the increasing influence of political organizations on cultural events. By positioning the counterprogram as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, TPUSA is asserting a vision of entertainment aligned with traditionalist values, English-language programming, and community engagement.
The 2026 Super Bowl will no longer be just a sporting spectacle; it has become a cultural battleground, with the official halftime show and the TPUSA event representing divergent visions of American identity, music, and ideology. Fans, performers, and media outlets alike will be watching closely, as the contest over the Super Bowl stage evolves into a flashpoint for the nation’s ongoing cultural debate.
