Kid Rock tapped for Turning Point USA halftime show as “All-American” alternative draws scrutiny

With Super Bowl Sunday two days away, a new “alternative halftime show” is pulling attention beyond the NFL’s official stage. Turning Point USA has promoted an “All-American Halftime Show” led by Kid Rock, featuring Gabby Barrett, Lee Brice, and Brantley Gilbert, timed to run during the Super Bowl halftime window on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.

The announcement has also reignited debate over Kid Rock’s past controversies, including renewed circulation of explicit older lyrics that critics say clash with the event’s “family-friendly” branding. Turning Point USA and the performers have not indicated any change to the lineup as of Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 (ET).

What this alternative show is trying to be

Turning Point USA is framing its production as a values-forward entertainment option for viewers who don’t want the NFL’s halftime performance—this year led by Bad Bunny. The pitch leans hard on patriotic language and a “for the whole family” tone, positioning the program as a parallel viewing choice rather than a stadium replacement.

In practical terms, it’s designed to capture viewers who might already be watching the game but mute or skip the NFL’s halftime set. The organization has highlighted the show’s music-first focus, the country-leaning lineup, and a branding strategy that treats halftime as a cultural battleground as much as a performance slot.

Turning Point USA halftime show: lineup, timing, and viewing details

The advertised lineup includes Kid Rock as the headliner with Gabby Barrett, Lee Brice, and Brantley Gilbert also scheduled to perform. The event is planned to stream live online during the halftime portion of Super Bowl coverage on Feb. 8.

The exact start moment will depend on the game clock, reviews, and the broadcast’s pacing, so viewers looking to catch the beginning should be ready shortly before the second quarter ends. As a rule of thumb, Super Bowl halftime typically lands in the 8:00–8:30 p.m. ET range, but it can shift earlier or later based on how the first half plays out.

Key takeaways

• Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” is timed to run during the Super Bowl halftime window on Feb. 8.

• The lineup centers on Kid Rock with Gabby Barrett, Lee Brice, and Brantley Gilbert.

• The show’s “family-friendly” marketing is colliding with renewed attention on older Kid Rock lyrics and past controversies.

“Cool Daddy Cool” lyrics resurface and spark backlash

The sharpest criticism in the past 48 hours has centered on resurfaced lines from Kid Rock’s older track “Cool, Daddy Cool.” The renewed posts focus on explicit references that include underage sexual themes—content many critics argue is at odds with the show’s stated “faith, family, and freedom” messaging.

The renewed attention has spread quickly across social media, and the controversy has been amplified by the contrast between the show’s branding and the content being discussed. No public statement from Turning Point USA has indicated the headliner is changing, and Kid Rock has responded to criticism in a defiant tone rather than offering a clarification or apology.

Why artists like Lee Brice say they joined

As scrutiny mounted, at least one performer has tried to separate the decision to appear from any broader political message or from the identity of the NFL’s halftime headliner. The most consistent explanation has been straightforward: it’s an additional performance opportunity during one of the biggest music-and-TV moments of the year.

That framing matters because it shapes how the event may play out on Sunday. If the show is seen primarily as a protest against the NFL’s halftime act, it invites direct comparison—and a partisan reaction. If it lands as a parallel concert option, it may pull a smaller but dedicated audience that simply prefers the musical style and the “All-American” branding.

What to watch for on Super Bowl Sunday

Two things will determine whether this becomes a one-off headline or a repeatable format. First is viewership: if the online stream draws a large live audience, it will be treated as proof of concept and likely replicated next year with a new roster. Second is advertiser and partner appetite: controversy can drive attention, but it can also narrow who wants to be associated with the brand.

On Sunday night, the NFL halftime show will still dominate the main broadcast conversation, but this alternative production has already achieved one goal—getting people to talk about halftime as a choice. Whether that conversation helps or hurts the performers involved will hinge on what airs, how it’s packaged, and how audiences respond in real time.

Sources consulted: Entertainment Weekly, The Independent, Billboard, People