There’s been a notable backlash from some corners of the public to the news that Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show — specifically criticism centered on the fact that much of his music is performed in Spanish.

In response, Turning Point USA announced on Oct. 9, 2025, that it will stage an alternative mid-game performance called the “All American Halftime Show,” promising a lineup that will feature “anything in English.”

The conservative organization — founded by the late commentator Charlie Kirk — posted the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “It’s true, Turning Point USA is thrilled to announce The All American Halftime Show.” The group said performers and further details will be revealed soon.

The All American Halftime Show’s website includes a public poll asking visitors which genres they prefer for the event on Feb. 8, 2026, offering choices such as country, pop, worship, Americana, classic rock and a plainly worded option: “anything in English.”

Organizers described the event as a celebration of “faith, family and freedom.” At the time of the announcement, there was no public roster of confirmed performers.

Billboard has reached out to Bad Bunny’s representatives for comment.

The “anything in English” option echoes objections voiced by some conservative commentators and politicians following Roc Nation’s selection of Benito as the Super Bowl headliner. Critics have objected to a Spanish-language artist leading the halftime show; White House adviser Corey Lewandowski called the pick “shameful,” and former President Donald Trump described it as a “ridiculous” choice, saying he was unfamiliar with the artist.

Those criticisms overlook important context: Bad Bunny hails from Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, and his decisions about touring have not been framed as anti-American. Earlier this year, he explained that his choice to limit U.S. dates on an upcoming tour was driven by concerns including immigration enforcement around shows, not animus toward the country.

“I’ve performed there many times,” he told I-D in September. “All of [the shows] have been successful. All of them have been magnificent. I’ve enjoyed connecting with Latinos who have been living in the U.S. … But there was the issue of, like, f–king ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”

Leila Cabo, Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/Español, noted in an op-ed that Bad Bunny’s selection is not inherently political — rather, the reaction to a Spanish-language headliner reveals lingering cultural biases against Spanish and the communities who speak it.

Below is Turning Point USA’s announcement.

🚨 HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

It’s true, Turning Point USA is thrilled to announce The All American Halftime Show.

Performers and event details coming soon.

2.8.2026

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