As the hype builds for ‘s Super Bowl LXI, a parallel event is generating considerable attention – and controversy. Kid Rock is leaning into the fray, sharing a quote from the late Kobe Bryant as he prepares to headline Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show,” a counter-programming event directly responding to the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the official halftime performance.
On , Kid Rock posted to X a quote attributed to Bryant, reading, “Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it.” The message continued, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones.” The post is widely interpreted as a response to the backlash surrounding his participation in Turning Point’s event, and a defiant stance against critics of the organization’s motives.
The “All-American Halftime Show,” also featuring Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett, was announced on by Turning Point USA, a conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk. The event is explicitly positioned as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s performance, a move that ignited debate about representation and cultural inclusivity within the traditionally mainstream Super Bowl spectacle.
Turning Point had previously signaled its intentions in , stating the counter-show would feature music “in English” and celebrate “faith, family and freedom.” This announcement followed a wave of criticism from conservative voices regarding the selection of Bad Bunny, with some labeling the artist with unsubstantiated claims of being “anti-ICE,” referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These accusations stemmed from the artist’s decision to forgo U.S. Tour dates due to concerns about potential ICE targeting of his predominantly Latino audience.
The controversy took a new turn just a week before the Super Bowl, when Bad Bunny won the Grammy Award for best música urbana album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos on . During his acceptance speech, Bad Bunny directly addressed the issue, stating, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out!” He continued, passionately defending his community: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans… The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”
Kid Rock’s involvement in the Turning Point event is consistent with his long-held political views and public support for former President Donald Trump. He has also been a vocal advocate for ICE’s mission. In , following reports that ICE raided his Nashville establishment, Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, Kid Rock expressed his unequivocal support for the agency on X, stating, “I 100% support getting illegal criminals out of our country no matter where they are.”
The juxtaposition of Bad Bunny’s Grammy’s speech and Kid Rock’s embrace of Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” highlights the deep cultural divisions at play. While Bad Bunny used his platform to advocate for inclusivity and challenge anti-immigrant sentiment, Kid Rock appears to be doubling down on a more nationalistic and restrictive stance. This isn’t simply a disagreement over musical taste; it’s a reflection of broader anxieties about changing demographics and cultural values in the United States.
The Turning Point event, and Kid Rock’s participation, taps into a segment of the population that feels increasingly alienated by mainstream cultural trends. The organization’s deliberate positioning of its show as an alternative to Bad Bunny’s performance suggests a desire to create a space for conservative voices and values. However, it also risks further polarizing the cultural landscape and exacerbating existing tensions.
The Super Bowl halftime show has long been a cultural touchstone, often generating significant media coverage and sparking conversations about music, performance, and representation. This year, the event has become even more politically charged, with two competing performances vying for attention and reflecting fundamentally different visions of America. The outcome remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the cultural battle lines are drawn, and the Super Bowl has become a stage for a larger national debate.
The success of Turning Point’s counter-programming remains to be seen, but the event has already succeeded in generating significant media attention and forcing a conversation about the role of politics and identity in entertainment. Kid Rock’s involvement, and his embrace of Bryant’s message about embracing criticism, signals a willingness to engage in that debate, even if it means facing further backlash.
