Super Bowl LX delivered more than just football drama. While Bad Bunny headlined the official halftime show at Levi’s Stadium with a star-studded lineup including Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Karol G, and Cardi B, an alternative performance unfolded elsewhere — and sparked sharp reactions from fellow artists.
The Competing Halftime Shows
As Bad Bunny’s electrifying set promoted unity with messages like “Together, We Are America,” conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA staged its own “All-American Halftime Show.” That event featured Kid Rock alongside Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett. The contrast between the two shows quickly became a cultural flashpoint. Fans debated online, and artists weighed in with pointed commentary.
Zach Bryan’s Satire
Billboard 200 chart-topper Zach Bryan posted an Instagram reel poking fun at Kid Rock’s performance. The clip showed someone blocking out Bad Bunny’s halftime show on TV while watching Turning Point USA’s stream on their phone. Bryan captioned it:
“What Kid Rock actually thinks is happening across America.”
The post went viral, highlighting the divide between mainstream pop culture and conservative counterprogramming.
Kacey Musgraves’ Sharp Take
Eight-time Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves also weighed in. On X, she praised Bad Bunny’s halftime show while taking aim at Kid Rock:
“Well. That made me feel more proudly American than anything Kid Rock has ever done.”
Her comment resonated with fans who saw Bad Bunny’s performance as a celebration of inclusivity and cultural pride.
Rissi Palmer’s Reflection
Country singer Rissi Palmer shared a heartfelt Instagram post about Bad Bunny’s opening words:
“‘My name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio. And if today I’m here at the Super Bowl, it’s because I never, never stopped believing in myself.’”
Palmer praised the performance as emotional, intentional, and inclusive, calling it “what was needed for this moment.”
Audience Reactions
On Turning Point USA’s YouTube page, comments were filled with American flag emojis, references to founder Charlie Kirk, and patriotic slogans. Meanwhile, fans of Bad Bunny echoed his Grammy speech message: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
The Bigger Picture
The dueling halftime shows underscored America’s cultural divide. Bad Bunny’s official performance celebrated diversity and unity, while Kid Rock’s alternative show leaned into conservative patriotism. The reactions from Bryan, Musgraves, and Palmer show how artists are shaping the conversation around what it means to be “All-American.” Super Bowl LX itself ended with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29–13, but the halftime debate may linger far longer than the score.
