PHOENIX, AZ — In a move that’s shaking up both sports and pop culture, Turning Point USA — the conservative nonprofit founded by the late Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, Erika Kirk — has announced it will host its own rival Super Bowl halftime show.
The event, titled “The All-American Halftime Show,” is set to air the same day as the official NFL Super Bowl LVIX performance, which will be headlined by Latin megastar Bad Bunny.
The announcement dropped Thursday afternoon on TPUSA’s social channels, with a bold message:
“We’re thrilled to announce The All-American Halftime Show — a celebration of faith, freedom, and the true spirit of America.”
A Patriotic Counterpoint to Bad Bunny’s Set
While full event details — including the location, performers, and broadcast platform — are still under wraps, one particular detail on the event’s signup page caught immediate attention: under “Preferred Music Genres,” one option reads simply, “Anything in English.”
That line alone has sparked a social media firestorm. Supporters are praising the show as a stand for “American values and culture,” while critics accuse TPUSA of pushing divisive language at a moment meant to unite fans across borders.
The announcement comes amid growing backlash against Bad Bunny’s selection as the official Super Bowl performer. The Puerto Rican superstar has faced criticism from some conservative commentators for his outspoken political views, including past comments about U.S. immigration enforcement and cultural identity.
Still, Bad Bunny appears unfazed. During his “Saturday Night Live” monologue last weekend, he addressed the controversy with humor:
“You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show — and I’m very happy. I think everybody’s happy about it … even Fox News!”
The audience erupted as SNL cut to a spoof montage showing Fox News anchors edited to appear as if they were praising him.
Erika Kirk Steps Into the Spotlight
For Erika Kirk, this marks her first major public initiative since taking leadership of Turning Point USA following her husband’s passing earlier this year.
In a brief statement on TPUSA’s website, she wrote:
“Charlie believed culture was upstream of politics — that if we want to preserve what makes America great, we have to create, not just criticize. This event is about unity, pride, and the music that brings us together.”
Insiders close to the organization say the show will feature a lineup of “mainstream and faith-based” artists, blending pop, country, and rock with patriotic themes. One TPUSA spokesperson teased that “big names who love America” are already confirmed, promising a show “for those who feel unheard by Hollywood and the NFL.”
A Cultural Clash on the Biggest Stage
The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. The Super Bowl has long been America’s most-watched television event — and its halftime show one of the most scrutinized. In recent years, performances have drawn controversy over political messaging, language, and cultural representation.
This time, the split is more direct than ever: two halftime shows, airing the same day, targeting two very different audiences.
Critics argue that TPUSA’s move risks deepening division in a nation already polarized by politics and media. But supporters see it differently. “This isn’t about canceling anyone,” one attendee wrote on X. “It’s about giving people an alternative that feels true to their values.”
What to Expect Next
According to early reports, TPUSA is in talks to stream the event online and through select partner networks. The show will likely be filmed live in Nashville or Dallas, with patriotic visuals, veteran tributes, and special guest appearances from “cultural icons who stand for freedom.”
Marketing insiders say the move could signal a new era in American entertainment — where political and cultural groups build their own platforms parallel to Hollywood and mainstream media.
The Super Bowl is set for February 8, 2026, but with TPUSA’s counter-programming making headlines months in advance, the cultural battle lines are already being drawn.
Whether seen as a bold act of patriotism or a symbolic protest, one thing is clear: this year, the real halftime story may not be on the NFL’s stage — but on Turning Point USA’s.
