As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Kid Rock is leaning on the legacy of the late Kobe Bryant to deflect the firestorm surrounding his upcoming performance. The artist is slated to headline Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show,” a production explicitly organized to rival Bad Bunny’s official NFL performance.
In a recent post shared on X, the “All Summer Long” singer invoked the legendary “Mamba Mentality,” sharing a quote from the basketball icon regarding the inevitability of criticism. “Learn to love the hate,” the message read. “Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it.” The post went on to suggest that being the target of animosity is a badge of honor, claiming, “Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones.”
Kid Rock’s involvement in the alternative broadcast was solidified on February 2, joining a roster that includes country performers Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett. Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group, conceptualized the event as a response to the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny. The organization previously stated their intention to host a celebration of “faith, family, and freedom,” featuring musical acts who perform exclusively in English.
The controversy surrounding the official Super Bowl Halftime Show began in September when many conservative commentators voiced their displeasure over the selection of the Puerto Rican superstar. Opponents labeled the rapper as “anti-ICE,” citing past comments where he expressed concern for his Latino audience regarding immigration enforcement.
The tension escalated during the 2026 Grammys. Upon winning Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny used his platform to deliver a pointed message: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out!” he declared. “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.”
Conversely, Kid Rock has remained a staunch ally of Donald Trump and a vocal proponent of mass deportation efforts. Following reports of immigration enforcement activity near his Nashville establishment last year, the musician clarified his position, stating he “100% support[s] getting illegal criminals out of our country.”
— KidRock (@KidRock) February 5, 2026
