The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show was a vibrant, star-studded celebration led by global sensation Bad Bunny. The Grammy-winning artist delivered an electric set alongside icons Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Karol G, and Cardi B, weaving a narrative of unity with the central theme, “Together, We Are America.”
While the official spectacle unfolded at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a contrasting musical event took place simultaneously. The conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA produced a rival “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring Kid Rock and country performers Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett.
Industry Reactions and Social Media Fallout
The dual performances sparked immediate discourse across social media, with several prominent artists offering their perspectives on the cultural divide. Zach Bryan, whose recent work has dominated the Billboard 200, used Instagram to poke fun at the counter-programming. He shared a video of a viewer blocking out the official broadcast to watch Kid Rock on a smartphone, adding the biting caption: “What Kid Rock actually thinks is happening across America.”
Grammy darling Kacey Musgraves was equally vocal on X. Praising the official halftime show while dismissing the alternative, she remarked that Bad Bunny’s performance instilled more national pride in her than anything Kid Rock has achieved throughout his career.
Country artist Rissi Palmer provided a more reflective take on Instagram, highlighting the profound symbolism of Bad Bunny’s journey. Recalling his opening remarks about his humble roots as Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, Palmer noted that his transition from a grocery store bagger to a Super Bowl headliner is the epitome of the American Dream.
“It was beautiful, intentional, and inclusive,” Palmer wrote, addressing critics who dismissed the performance. “You don’t have to be Puerto Rican or Latinx to appreciate that… If you can’t appreciate that, you are a straight-up hater.”
A Divided Digital Audience
Turning Point USA’s digital platforms were flooded with patriotic emojis and tributes to the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk. Meanwhile, a different segment of the audience focused on the poignant message Bad Bunny shared during his Grammys acceptance speech, which echoed throughout the night: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Amidst the musical and cultural debates, the sporting event itself saw the Seattle Seahawks claim a decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
