Turning Point USA, a conservative activist organization, has announced plans to host an “All American Halftime Show” as counterprogramming to the NFL‘s official Super Bowl halftime performance featuring Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. The announcement, made on October 10-11, 2025, comes amid conservative backlash against the NFL’s selection of the Spanish-language performer for the 2026 Super Bowl.
The counter-show initiative capitalizes on dissatisfaction expressed by certain factions who prefer English-language performers at the major sporting event. Turning Point USA has already launched an online survey asking supporters about their music preferences, highlighting their intent to feature more “traditional” American musical styles.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s streaming numbers have increased by 26% following the NFL’s announcement, suggesting a polarized public reaction.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and prominent conservative commentator, leads the organization behind this cultural counterprogramming. The group’s online poll specifically includes an option requesting performances “in English” as part of their survey criteria. The survey also includes options for multiple music genres such as Americana, classic rock, country, hip hop, and worship. The group, known for its youth activism and politically charged media events, has not yet named any performers, hosts, or specific venue for their alternative halftime show.
The planned event aligns with the organization’s established pattern of challenging mainstream cultural moments with conservative alternatives.
Details regarding the format, location, and broadcasting platform remain undisclosed, though organizers have confirmed their intent to run the show simultaneously with Bad Bunny’s official halftime performance. The counter-show explicitly emphasizes “all-American” options, implying a focus on English-language performances.
Media coverage has framed the announcement as reflecting broader cultural and political divisions in the United States rather than purely entertainment-focused competition. Organizers have emphasized that all performers will conduct thorough sound checks prior to the event to ensure professional quality delivery. For Turning Point USA, the counter-show represents an opportunity to amplify conservative voices during a high-profile national event, mobilize its base, and challenge what it perceives as mainstream media narratives.
As the 2026 Super Bowl approaches, observers anticipate more details about performers and logistics, while the announcement continues to fuel ongoing debates about American cultural identity and representation in major entertainment venues. The organization may seek to establish sync deals with performers to maximize commercial opportunities beyond the counter-show itself.
