The conservative group has released few details about the upcoming performance timed to coincide with Super Bowl LX.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Conservative campus activist organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has announced plans to host an alternate halftime show on February 8, 2026, coinciding with Super Bowl LX, in response to the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny as the official halftime headliner. The announcement, shared via social media, immediately drew attention for both its audacity and timing. TPUSA dubbed the event “The All American Halftime Show”, teasing that performers and additional details would be revealed in the coming weeks.

The initiative comes in the wake of intense backlash from conservative influencers and content creators following Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl booking. The Puerto Rican rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has long been outspoken on political issues, including criticism of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In recent months, he has refused to play shows in the continental United States due to concerns about potential interference from immigration authorities.

Political Pressure and ICE Concerns

The controversy escalated when former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski warned right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might intervene broadly, including at the Super Bowl, prompting debate over the intersection of politics, entertainment, and national security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later commented to the same podcast that ICE would be “all over” the Super Bowl, heightening tensions. Bad Bunny, however, publicly mocked the uproar during the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, telling viewers they had “four months to learn” Spanish if they wanted to understand his performance.

The backlash drew responses from prominent political figures. Former President Donald Trump questioned the NFL’s decision during a Newsmax interview: “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it—it’s, like, crazy,” he said.

Bad Bunny’s Popularity and Cultural Reach

Despite criticism from conservative circles, Bad Bunny’s commercial and cultural success is undeniable. He averages 79 million monthly listeners on Spotify, was the platform’s most-streamed artist for three consecutive years (2020–2022), and continues to break streaming records. His most recent album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2025, while his 2022 release, Un Verano Sin Ti, became Spotify’s most-streamed album of all time. Bad Bunny has experience on the Super Bowl stage, having made a guest appearance during Jennifer Lopez’s 2020 halftime show.

The Counterprogram Concept

Rumors of a TPUSA–hosted counterprogram began circulating after conservative commentators discussed the halftime show on The Charlie Kirk Show, the podcast founded by the late Charlie Kirk. The discussion focused on creating a performance that would appeal to audiences who felt alienated by Bad Bunny’s selection.

One widely discussed idea was a lineup featuring Creed, the late 1990s post-grunge band whose 2001 Thanksgiving Day performance for the Dallas Cowboys remains infamous. Conservative activist Jack Posobiec, referencing the band’s storied past, told the podcast, “The response is simple here—bring on Creed. We need Creed, we need Scott Stapp, we need them flying down from the rafters, the greatest halftime show that has ever taken place.” On September 29, Posobiec posted on X: “Sure would be a shame if @TPUSA hosted a counter-Superbowl halftime show with Creed.” The band, currently touring in 2025, has not publicly commented on the rumors.

Audience Engagement and Genre Selection

TPUSA has engaged its audience in the planning process through an online poll asking which genres viewers would like to hear, with the first option listed as “Anything in English”—a direct jab at Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance. Other suggested genres include Americana, classic rock, country, hip hop, pop, and worship, signaling an intent to highlight music deeply rooted in American traditions.

The organization’s announcement has been interpreted as both a cultural statement and a challenge to the NFL’s programming decisions. Conservative commentators argue that by selecting a performer with outspoken progressive stances, the NFL has turned a traditionally unifying event into a platform for political messaging, alienating significant portions of its fanbase.

Industry Reaction

Within the entertainment industry, the prospect of a TPUSA counter-show has raised eyebrows. Producers and executives are weighing the legal, logistical, and public relations implications of hosting a simultaneous, alternative halftime event. Experts note that coordinating a large-scale, high-visibility performance in parallel with the Super Bowl presents considerable challenges, including security, broadcasting rights, and potential conflicts with NFL trademarks.

Despite these hurdles, the announcement has captured the attention of music and political media alike. Industry analysts note that the move underscores the increasing polarization of cultural institutions and the willingness of advocacy groups to challenge mainstream entertainment decisions publicly.

Cultural and Political Significance

The proposed TPUSA show illustrates the intersection of politics, entertainment, and identity in contemporary America. By promoting a performance rooted in English-language music and Americana traditions, the organization is sending a message to audiences who feel their cultural preferences and values are underrepresented in mainstream media events. The strategy leverages nostalgia and perceived authenticity to create a counter-narrative to what conservative audiences see as the politicization of the NFL halftime stage.

Social media has already reacted to the announcement. Hashtags such as #TPUSAHalftime, #CreedCounterShow, and #SuperBowlAlternative began trending, with users debating the feasibility, potential performers, and implications of the counter-show. Some praised the initiative as a bold cultural statement; others criticized it as divisive, potentially turning a global sporting event into a partisan spectacle.

Looking Ahead

While official performers and production details remain unconfirmed, TPUSA’s announcement has set the stage for a high-profile cultural clash. The organization appears intent on creating an event that mirrors the grandeur and visibility of the Super Bowl halftime show, potentially drawing media attention away from Bad Bunny’s performance. Observers note that the counter-show could influence public perception, sponsor engagement, and the broader narrative surrounding the NFL and its approach to cultural representation.

As the Super Bowl approaches, the tension between traditional expectations and evolving cultural dynamics will only intensify. TPUSA’s counterprogram represents a clear assertion of influence, a demonstration that audiences increasingly demand entertainment that aligns with their values and perspectives. Whether the alternative halftime show materializes as planned or remains a symbolic gesture, the announcement has already achieved its primary objective: igniting conversation and capturing the national spotlight.

Conclusion

The selection of Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer has transformed what is typically a unifying cultural event into a flashpoint for ideological debate. TPUSA’s counter-show announcement underscores the growing role of advocacy groups in shaping entertainment discourse and reflects broader tensions in American culture between representation, tradition, and political influence.

Regardless of execution, the story highlights the power of music, media, and political activism to intersect on one of the world’s largest stages. The 2026 Super Bowl will not only be remembered for the performance on the field but also for the cultural conversations it sparked—questions about identity, values, and who gets to control the narrative on America’s most-watched stage.