Washington, D.C. — As millions tuned in for Super Bowl XL, an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock captured the attention of viewers, alongside the main performance by global superstar Bad Bunny. The event took place on January 19, 2025, just before the Presidential inauguration, showcasing a mix of country and rock music that resonated with a conservative audience.

The halftime program, organized by Turning Point USA, featured a lineup of popular artists including Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, and Lee Brice. It kicked off with a soulful guitar rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” setting the patriotic tone for the performances to follow. Gilbert was the first to take the stage, energizing the crowd with his songs “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”

Following Gilbert’s lively set, Kid Rock closed the show with a dynamic performance that included his 1999 hit “Bawitdaba.” He wrapped up the event with a cover of “‘Til You Can’t,” popularized by fellow country artist Cody Johnson, creating a celebratory atmosphere that appealed to many fans in attendance.

The approximately 30-minute show ran just into the third quarter of the Super Bowl, with over four million viewers streaming it live on YouTube. The event also served as a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, featuring images and videos celebrating his legacy.

This alternative halftime performance was announced after the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny, who sings primarily in Spanish, as the Super Bowl halftime headliner. The choice sparked controversy among some conservative commentators, who voiced their displeasure at the selection of the Puerto Rican artist. Misconceptions arose about Bad Bunny’s identity, with some critics labeling him a “foreigner,” despite Puerto Rico being a U.S. territory.

During the halftime show, former President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval via social media, criticizing the NFL’s choice. He described the performance as “absolutely terrible,” claiming that audiences could not understand the lyrics and characterized the choreography as inappropriate for young viewers.

Despite the polarized reactions to the two halftime performances, the dual shows reflect the cultural diversity and complexity of the event, underscoring how the Super Bowl continues to serve as a platform for varying artistic expressions. As audiences navigate their preferences, both shows offered contrasting experiences that highlight the evolving landscape of American entertainment during one of the largest sporting events of the year.