Quick Read
- Turning Point USA announced a rival halftime show for Super Bowl 2026, called ‘The All American Halftime Show’.
- The event will focus on faith, family, and freedom, with details on performers yet to be revealed.
- Announcement followed the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny as halftime performer, which sparked polarized reactions.
- Turning Point USA’s show represents a political counterprogramming effort, joining a tradition of alternative Super Bowl events.
- The organization is crowdsourcing music genre preferences from fans through its website.
Turning Point USA Steps Into the Spotlight with Alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show
On October 9, 2025, Turning Point USA—a conservative nonprofit founded by the late Charlie Kirk—officially announced its plan to produce a competing halftime show for the 2026 Super Bowl. This initiative, dubbed “The All American Halftime Show,” promises to celebrate “faith, family, and freedom,” and marks a bold entry into the long tradition of Super Bowl counterprogramming. The announcement followed weeks of online speculation and rumors, ignited when the National Football League revealed that the chart-topping artist Bad Bunny would headline the halftime performance in Santa Clara, California.
Origins of the Counterprogramming: Rumors, Reactions, and Realities
In the days leading up to Turning Point USA’s official announcement, social media buzzed with speculation. The rumor mill began churning after Jack Posobiec, a Turning Point contributor, tweeted about the possibility of a “counter-Super Bowl halftime show with Creed,” sparking widespread discussion. On “The Charlie Kirk Show,” co-host Andrew Kolvet confirmed that media outlets were reaching out for comments, though the organization had not yet formalized any plans. Posobiec himself admitted on Tim Pool’s “Timcast IRL” podcast that his viral tweet was unsanctioned, but that conversations were underway behind the scenes. The anticipation was palpable; the country, it seemed, was waiting for an alternative to the NFL’s choice.
The catalyst for the controversy was the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny—a Puerto Rican artist whose music and outspoken political views have polarized public opinion. While many celebrated Bad Bunny’s inclusion as a step toward greater diversity, others, including President $1 Trump, publicly questioned the decision. Trump remarked, “I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it—it’s, like, crazy.” The debate extended beyond music, touching on issues of immigration and national identity, especially after a Trump administration official stated that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl.
Turning Point USA’s Vision: Faith, Family, and Freedom on Center Stage
Once Turning Point USA made its move, the announcement resonated quickly. Within hours, the organization reported an “instantaneous and overwhelming response.” On its social media channels and newly launched event website, Turning Point USA positioned its halftime show as a celebration of core American values, aiming to unite viewers across the country. The event flyer and website invited fans to suggest their preferred music genres, from classic rock and country to worship and pop, signaling an intent to engage a broad audience.
Despite the early hype, details remain sparse. No official performers have been named, though rumors swirl about “Christian American performers.” The show’s promotional material hints at a lineup that will appeal to those who feel unrepresented by the NFL’s chosen act. Erika Kirk, recently named CEO following Charlie Kirk’s death, now leads the organization into this high-profile media endeavor. Turning Point USA’s spokesperson, Andrew Kolvet, emphasized their excitement to “unite the country around the timeless American values that make this the greatest country in the world.”
Super Bowl Counterprogramming: A Growing Tradition
The concept of alternative programming during the Super Bowl is hardly new. Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl” has become a staple, airing before the big game and offering viewers a lighthearted alternative. Over the years, other niche programming—such as the “Kitten Bowl” and “Fish Bowl”—have found their own audiences. Pay-per-view events and social media live streams have also competed for halftime attention, reflecting the diverse interests of American viewers. Turning Point USA’s entry into this space is the latest example of how entertainment choices during the Super Bowl reflect broader cultural conversations.
Yet, the political tone of Turning Point USA’s event sets it apart from previous counterprogramming. By explicitly framing their halftime show around “faith, family, and freedom,” the organization is making a statement—not just about music, but about the values it believes are central to American identity. The show’s launch comes at a time when debates over immigration, diversity, and national pride are especially heated, ensuring that the event will draw attention from supporters and critics alike.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the ‘All American Halftime Show’?
As the February 8, 619, date approaches, all eyes are on Turning Point USA to see how it will translate its vision into reality. Will the event feature household names from Americana, country, or Christian music? Will it attract viewers away from the NFL’s broadcast, or simply energize its core base? The show’s website currently asks fans to select their preferred genres, hinting at a crowdsourced approach to programming. The organization has promised more details in the coming months, with announcements on performers and event logistics expected as planning progresses.
One thing is clear: Turning Point USA’s halftime show is already shaping up to be more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of the ongoing cultural and political divide in the United States, and a test of how alternative media can respond to mainstream programming. Whether the “All American Halftime Show” will succeed in “uniting the country” or deepen existing divisions remains to be seen.
As the Super Bowl draws near, the broader debate about music, identity, and American values will likely intensify. For many, the choice between Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA’s alternative is about more than musical taste—it’s about which vision of America will take center stage, even if only for halftime.
Turning Point USA’s announcement of an alternative Super Bowl halftime show is not just a media event; it’s a strategic move in the ongoing battle over cultural representation. By offering a rival performance that foregrounds faith, family, and freedom, the organization is challenging the mainstream narrative and inviting Americans to reconsider what their biggest national stage should reflect. The outcome will be determined not only by which show garners more viewers, but by how each speaks to the values and aspirations of a divided nation.