While millions tuned in to watch Bad Bunny’s star-studded Super Bowl halftime performance, featuring Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal, and surprise moments that even included a couple getting married on stage, a parallel halftime show organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) quietly carved out its own niche audience.Dubbed the “All-American” halftime show, the 25-minute MAGA-friendly event was headlined by Kid Rock, with performances from country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. Despite operating in the shadow of the NFL’s official halftime extravaganza, TPUSA’s stream managed to attract around 6.1 million viewers at its peak, according to reports.
Erika Kirk, CEO of TPUSA and widow of the group’s late founder Charlie Kirk, praised the show, calling it “incredible” and dedicating the event to her husband. “Charlie would’ve absolutely loved it,” she wrote on X. “It’s okay to love Jesus and your country. Ultimately, this is what it’s all about, making Heaven crowded. I love you Charlie baby, this is all for you.” The show, which faced last-minute technical hiccups including a cancelled X stream due to licensing restrictions, was designed as an alternative for conservative Americans who felt underserved by mainstream halftime entertainment.Kid Rock emphasized the show’s patriotic mission, saying it was for “people who love America, love football, love Jesus.”However, while TPUSA’s event generated social media buzz and drew a loyal audience, the numbers still pale in comparison to the official Super Bowl broadcast. Still, for a politically charged production running concurrently with one of the world’s biggest entertainment spectacles, the “All-American” halftime show’s 6.1 million peak viewership marked a notable showing.
Bad Bunny dominates Super Bowl stage
Bad Bunny’s performance is projected to have reached around 128 million viewers, with the 2025 record held by Kendrick Lamar at 133.5 million. A recent YouGov survey also indicated that 35 per cent of respondents preferred Bad Bunny’s performance, compared to 28 per cent who said they were more interested in TPUSA’s alternative. However, US President Donald Trump criticised Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, calling it “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.He went on to describe the set as “an affront to the Greatness of America,” adding that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.” Trump did not attend this year’s Super Bowl.Social media reactions highlighted the cultural divide: while some fans praised Bad Bunny’s elaborate set, others posted that they skipped the official halftime show altogether in favour of TPUSA’s stream.Analysts say the episode reflects the growing trend of politically framed entertainment, where audience loyalty is driven as much by ideology as by star power. While Bad Bunny dominated in sheer numbers and global reach, Turning Point USA succeeded in mobilising a sizeable, engaged audience for its alternative halftime showcase. Go to Source
