As an alternative to the Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) organized its own “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring a lineup of country and rock artists.
The lineup
The event included several well-known performers:
- Kid Rock as the main act, known for blending rock, rap, and country, with hits like All Summer Long and Cowboy
- Brantley Gilbert, a country-rock artist behind songs such as Bottoms Up and Country Must Be Country Wide
- Gabby Barrett, who rose to fame after American Idol and scored multi-platinum success with I Hope
- Lee Brice, a GRAMMY-nominated country singer known for I Don’t Dance, Rumor, and One of Them Girls
Lee Brice’s on-stage remark
During his set, Lee Brice addressed the crowd and referenced TPUSA’s mission of encouraging people to speak their minds. He told the audience:
“Charlie gave people microphones so they could say what’s on their minds. This is what’s on my mind.”
He then performed It Ain’t Easy Being Country In This Country Nowadays, a song that touches on cultural and political themes. The lyrics reflect Brice’s personal perspective on values, faith, and small-town identity, and have sparked discussion among fans and critics alike.
Mixed reactions
As with many politically adjacent performances, reactions online were mixed. Supporters praised the artists for expressing their views openly, while others felt music events tied to political organizations can be divisive.
What’s clear is that the alternative show generated conversation alongside the main halftime event, highlighting how entertainment and cultural commentary often intersect.
