Turning Point USA, the right-wing political group founded by Charlie Kirk, announced the lineup on Monday for what it’s billed as an alternative Super Bowl halftime show, and people on social media aren’t exactly singing its praises.
Last fall, the NFL selected Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner for Super Bowl LX, and conservatives had a MAGA meltdown over the thought of a Spanish-speaking singer performing at America’s biggest sporting event.
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Turning Point USA reacted to the announcement by declaring that it would organize its own halftime show at the same time as Bad Bunny’s, and then spent the last few months figuring out who might actually perform.
On Monday, the organization announced that its lineup would include Kid Rock, country singers Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, who came in third on Season 16 of “American Idol.”
The reaction on social media so far can best be described as “relative apathy.”
Some people wondered why recent MAGA convert Nicki Minaj didn’t make the cut.
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Others also had thoughts about the star power scheduled ― or lack thereof.
— Ian Hest 🟦 (@IanHest) February 2, 2026
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lol if I could make a playlist for “that racist asshole who peaked in high school and now is divorced working at his dad’s car dealership”…this would be the playlist https://t.co/fBQhpP3D0f
— Ian Hest 🟦 (@IanHest) February 2, 2026
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— The General Staff (@Thegenrlstaff) February 2, 2026
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This is a terrible waste of resources. It won’t draw a meaningful audience, it won’t move the needle with voters, and it won’t be good enough to mog the Super Bowl.
It smacks of yesteryear consultants looking for a payday, not brilliant counter programming. https://t.co/TzDOaRLdpA
— The General Staff (@Thegenrlstaff) February 2, 2026
However, Trump administration officials and allies fell all over themselves to offer praise. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth even asked if his “Department of War” could be involved.
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Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) suggested that the NFL commissioner ― whom he referred to as Roger “Woke” Goodell ― “better be taking notes.”
“Millions of Americans would rather hear good music from these patriots instead of anti-American propaganda from Bad Rabbit, or whatever his name is,” the former football coach wrote.
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— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) February 2, 2026
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Roger “WOKE” Goodell better be taking notes.
Millions of Americans would rather hear good music from these patriots instead of anti-American propaganda from Bad Rabbit, or whatever his name is… https://t.co/cVkqpDcARg
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) February 2, 2026
