Turning Point USA Challenges Bad Bunny With Its Own Halftime Show
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance is stirring up outrage among conservative circles. Reaction has reached a new level. Turning Point USA, the nonprofit founded by Charlie Kirk, is creating its own halftime event. This is for fans who want “anything in English.”
The group announced The All American Halftime Show, set for February 8 at the same time as the big game. The event promises to celebrate “faith, family & freedom.” On its website, fans can vote for music genres they’d like to see. Options include:
- Americana
- Classic rock
- Country
- Pop
- Worship
- Or simply “anything in English”
The phrasing is clearly a swipe at Bad Bunny. He is the Puerto Rican rapper and a three-time Grammy winner. His music is mostly in Spanish.
“This show is about celebrating what makes America unique,” the Turning Point USA website reads. “We want music you can sing along with and feel proud about.”
Bad Bunny Takes the Stage Amid Controversy
Bad Bunny was officially announced as the Super Bowl halftime performer on September 28. This caps off a whirlwind year for the star. His Super Bowl set will coincide with his eight-month world tour, which notably skips stops in the United States. He cited concerns that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could target fans attending his shows.
Before this, Bad Bunny completed a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico. This residency generated an estimated $400 million for the island’s economy.
Despite his enormous success, the announcement immediately sparked backlash from right-wing politicians and pundits. Critics attacked him for:
- Singing primarily in Spanish
- His personal politics
- Questioning his status as an American citizen (though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory)
Even President Donald Trump chimed in, calling the pick “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I don’t know who he is, I don’t know why they’re doing it,” Trump said. “It’s, like, crazy. They blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Lawmakers Weigh In on the Halftime Drama
The political response didn’t stop there. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem responded to Bad Bunny’s ICE concerns. She assured the public that federal agents would be present at the Super Bowl. Their purpose is to “enforce the law.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson even suggested an alternative performer: 82-year-old Lee Greenwood. “Not somebody like this,” he added cryptically, leaving audiences to speculate about what he meant.
The backlash highlights a larger tension over representation, language, and culture in America’s biggest sports broadcast.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl History
This isn’t Bad Bunny’s first time on the Super Bowl stage. He previously joined Shakira and Jennifer Lopez for the 2020 halftime show. Since then, he has become one of the world’s biggest music stars, racking up three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys.
Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny shows no signs of backing down. In fact, he seems to relish the moment.
Speaking Out With Pride
During the Season 51 premiere of Saturday Night Live, Bad Bunny addressed his fans in Spanish and English. He spoke about his excitement for the halftime show and the significance of representation.
“Know that people all around the world who love my music are also happy,” he said in English.
Then, in Spanish, he added:
“Especially all of the Latinos and Latinas in the world. Here in the United States, they have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for myself, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints are significant in this country. No one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.”
Switching back to English, he warned skeptics:
“And, if you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!”
His message underlines a key theme: cultural pride and resilience.
Turning Point USA Strikes Back
Meanwhile, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA isn’t holding back. Their All American Halftime Show promises a stark contrast to Bad Bunny’s Latin-inspired performance.
- The event will feature live music in English
- Organizers invite fans to vote for their favorite genre
- Themes focus on “faith, family, and freedom”
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA said:
“We’re giving Americans an alternative. Something that represents traditional values, sung in English, that families can enjoy together.”
The website encourages engagement, letting visitors pick genres, artists, and even share ideas for future shows.
What’s Next for Bad Bunny
Fans around the globe are buzzing with anticipation. Bad Bunny’s tour continues outside the U.S., and his Super Bowl performance promises high energy, elaborate choreography, and his signature style.
Analysts predict that the halftime show will draw massive viewership despite political attacks. It is expected to attract Latinx audiences. They see his performance as a milestone for representation.
Music critics note that the timing couldn’t be better. Bad Bunny’s international influence continues to expand, and the Super Bowl stage cements his crossover appeal to mainstream American audiences.
Why This Matters
The feud between Bad Bunny and conservative critics highlights deeper cultural debates. It’s about language, identity, and who gets to represent American culture on its biggest stage.
- Spanish-speaking performers now command top-tier platforms
- Critics insist on traditional “American” symbols and sounds
- Fans see the choice as a moment of validation for multicultural contributions
For Bad Bunny, the criticism doesn’t derail his momentum. Instead, it fuels a narrative of resilience and pride.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media is buzzing with reactions. Fans praise Bad Bunny’s courage and representation:
- “Finally, a Latin artist on the biggest stage in the U.S.!”
- “He’s showing the world that music transcends language.”
- “Turning Point USA can have their country rock, we’ll enjoy Bad Bunny’s beats!”
Even outside fan circles, conversations are sparking about inclusivity, language, and culture in entertainment.
Super Bowl LV Halftime Could Make History
As the February 8 showdown approaches, two competing visions of American culture will collide. One embraces Latin rhythm and international influence. The other clings to traditional English-language music and conservative values.
What happens next is more than a halftime show. It’s a cultural moment that reflects America’s ongoing debate over identity, representation, and who gets to be heard.
Bad Bunny may electrify the Levi’s Stadium crowd. Alternatively, Turning Point USA’s All American Halftime Show could win over its audience. Regardless, viewers will remember this Super Bowl as a turning point.
