The Super Bowl is, without question, a cultural touchstone in the United States, and its halftime show has evolved into a major music event in its own right. This year, however, the spectacle is unfolding against a backdrop of unusual controversy, with a competing halftime performance emerging in response to the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton artist, is slated to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on . His selection, while celebrated by many, has drawn criticism from some quarters, sparking debate about representation and audience appeal. Some critics have questioned the choice, noting that his music is primarily in Spanish, and expressing doubt about his resonance with a broader American audience.
It’s a criticism that overlooks Bad Bunny’s significant global reach. He is, in fact, one of the most-streamed artists in the world, having earned the title of “Spotify’s Global Top Artist” an impressive four times. His roots are firmly in the United States, as a native of Puerto Rico, a U.S. Territory. The controversy, however, has been enough to fuel an alternative event.
A Counter-Program: Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show
In direct response to the NFL’s choice, the right-wing political organization Turning Point USA is staging its own “All-American Halftime Show.” This alternative performance, scheduled to air simultaneously with the official halftime show at , is being positioned as a patriotic counterpoint.
The show will be livestreamed on Turning Point USA’s YouTube, X, and Rumble channels, as well as broadcast on a selection of conservative news outlets including Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, TBN, Charge!, National News Desk, NTD, and OAN News. The lineup features a distinctly different roster of performers: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
This isn’t simply a case of differing musical tastes. The creation of a competing event underscores a broader cultural and political divide, with Turning Point USA explicitly framing its show as an alternative to what they perceive as a departure from traditional American values.
Beyond the Halftime Shows: A Full Day of Performances
The entertainment surrounding Super Bowl LX extends beyond the headline acts. Teddy Swims is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl Tailgate at , with the performance streaming live on Peacock.
Prior to the main event, the Super Bowl Opening Ceremony, set to begin at , will feature performances by Green Day, Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, and Coco Jones. This ceremony will also be available to watch live on NBC, and Peacock.
Notably, both the Super Bowl Opening Ceremony and the official halftime show featuring Bad Bunny will be streamed live on NBC and Peacock, offering widespread access to the NFL’s curated entertainment lineup.
The NFL’s Collaboration with Roc Nation
The selection of Super Bowl halftime performers is a collaborative effort between the NFL and Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z. This partnership, established in 2019, has aimed to elevate the halftime show to a level comparable with other major music events, often featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.
The choice of Bad Bunny represents a continued effort to broaden the appeal of the halftime show and embrace diverse musical genres. While the controversy surrounding his selection is undeniable, it also highlights the evolving cultural landscape and the increasing influence of Latin music on the global stage.
The dueling halftime shows, are more than just a clash of musical styles. They represent a microcosm of the broader cultural and political tensions that are shaping the American entertainment landscape. Whether this division will translate into viewership numbers remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be a uniquely charged event, both on and off the field.
