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SANTA CLARA, CA — Conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has announced that it will host its own “All American Halftime Show” on February 8, 2026, the same night as Super Bowl LX, in what many are calling a direct response to the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny as the headline halftime performer.
The event, organized under the leadership of Erika Kirk, widow of the late TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, is being promoted as a “celebration of faith, family, and freedom” — values the organization says are central to its mission and to American culture.
The “All American Halftime Show” will coincide with the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, though TPUSA has not yet confirmed whether the event will be held nearby or streamed online as a simultaneous broadcast.
A Patriotic Alternative to the NFL’s Show
According to the announcement shared on TPUSA’s website and social media channels, the show aims to provide a “wholesome, all-American” alternative to what the group describes as “increasingly politicized and morally questionable” halftime entertainment.
The promotional materials encourage viewers to join in a night of unity and positivity centered around “American music, values, and community.” Supporters can sign up online to vote on which music genres they’d like to see represented at the event.
Options listed include Americana, classic rock, country, hip-hop, pop, worship, and ‘Anything in English.’ The latter option — now trending on social media — has sparked discussion about whether it subtly critiques the NFL’s inclusion of non-English performances, particularly those by Latin artists like Bad Bunny.
In a statement, Erika Kirk said:
“This event isn’t about division — it’s about celebration. We want to remind the world what makes America special: our freedom, our families, and our shared faith. The All American Halftime Show will be a joyful reflection of that spirit.”
Though TPUSA has not released a performer lineup, several country and Christian music artists have reportedly expressed interest in participating. The organization is expected to reveal performers in early 2026.
The Bad Bunny Backlash
The “All American Halftime Show” announcement comes amid backlash from conservative circles over the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny — the chart-topping Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap star — to perform during the Super Bowl.
Critics claim the NFL is pandering to “woke culture” and “non-American” entertainment values. Some have voiced discomfort with the artist’s Spanish-language performances and outspoken political stances, which include criticism of U.S. immigration policies and support for Puerto Rican independence.
Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren drew controversy last week after claiming that “Bad Bunny isn’t even American,” a statement widely debunked by fans who pointed out that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
Others, like activist Laura Loomer, have accused the NFL of pushing “globalism over patriotism.”
However, Bad Bunny has largely brushed off the criticism. During his Saturday Night Live monologue last weekend, he addressed the backlash head-on — delivering an opening speech entirely in Spanish before saying in English:
“If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.”
The remark was met with cheers from fans and trended on social media under the hashtag #LearnSpanish, further fueling both admiration and outrage.
A Broader Cultural Divide
For many cultural analysts, TPUSA’s counter-event highlights a growing cultural and political divide in America’s entertainment landscape.
Dr. Lauren Mitchell, a professor of cultural studies at Arizona State University, explained that the dueling halftime shows symbolize deeper tensions over what “American culture” means in 2025.
“On one hand, you have Bad Bunny — a global superstar representing a multilingual, multicultural America,” Mitchell said. “On the other, Turning Point USA is appealing to traditionalists who feel that modern pop culture no longer reflects their values. These aren’t just concerts — they’re cultural statements.”
Turning Point USA, originally founded in 2012 to mobilize conservative students on college campuses, has since evolved into a major cultural organization blending entertainment, politics, and activism. The group frequently hosts faith-based festivals, influencer events, and large-scale conferences featuring conservative celebrities, pastors, and musicians.
Following Charlie Kirk’s unexpected death in 2024, Erika Kirk stepped into the leadership role, pledging to continue his mission of “defending freedom through education, culture, and community.”
The Strategy Behind TPUSA’s Show
Insiders familiar with TPUSA’s media operations say the organization sees the All American Halftime Show as part of a larger effort to compete with mainstream entertainment outlets and create alternative spaces for conservative audiences.
The event will reportedly be streamed on multiple platforms, including TPUSA Live and YouTube, and may feature messages from faith leaders, veterans, and athletes.
“This isn’t just about football,” said TPUSA communications director Ava Renner.
“It’s about giving Americans a choice — to celebrate their values without the political messaging that’s taken over so much of modern entertainment.”
The group has hinted at guest appearances from high-profile conservative musicians, including country artists and worship bands that have previously performed at TPUSA’s AmericaFest events.
What It Means for the Super Bowl
While the NFL has not commented on TPUSA’s announcement, marketing experts say the existence of an alternative halftime show underscores just how polarized American pop culture has become.
Sports business analyst Javier Roman noted:
“The Super Bowl used to be one of the few moments that united everyone — no matter their politics. The fact that there’s now a competing halftime event says a lot about where the country is right now.”
Despite criticism, Bad Bunny’s upcoming halftime performance is expected to draw record-breaking global viewership, especially as Latin music continues to dominate international charts. The artist was recently ranked among Complex Magazine’s Top 10 Reggaeton Artists of All Time, alongside Daddy Yankee and Don Omar.
The Cultural Moment Ahead
Whether the All American Halftime Show will rival the NFL’s global reach remains to be seen. But in the eyes of many observers, the real story isn’t about music — it’s about identity.
As February 2026 approaches, America’s biggest night of football is poised to become a symbolic showdown between two visions of the nation’s soul: one multilingual and global, the other traditional and patriotic.
Regardless of which show wins the ratings battle, both are guaranteed to make headlines — and spark debates — well beyond Super Bowl Sunday.
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