The Seattle Seahawks may have secured a 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, but away from the scoreboard, a different kind of competition was playing out.
This year’s Super Bowl Sunday delivered not one, but two halftime spectacles.
A Rival Halftime Show Takes Shape
While the NFL’s official stage belonged to Bad Bunny, a conservative-backed alternative was livestreamed online by Turning Point USA.
Dubbed the “All-American Halftime Show,” the event featured a lineup of country and rock performers, including Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. The show was billed as a cultural counterpoint to the NFL’s mainstage production.
Closing the livestream was Kid Rock, who took the stage at 55 years old with a performance that immediately sparked conversation online.
Lip-Sync Accusations Surface
Within moments of Kid Rock’s appearance, social media lit up with comments questioning whether the performance was live.
Several viewers alleged that he appeared to be lip-syncing, pointing to moments where the vocals seemed disconnected from his movements on stage. Others joked that the performance felt brief and awkwardly edited.
One commenter wrote, “Nice lip syncing,” while another asked whether it was a stream issue or a poorly executed performance. Additional posts described the segment as lasting barely a minute before abruptly transitioning away.
Some mocked the staging and choreography, suggesting the performance lacked the energy or polish they had anticipated. A handful of viewers also claimed the mic was dropped multiple times while the vocals continued uninterrupted—fueling further speculation.
Old Controversies Resurface
As the livestream circulated, older material associated with Kid Rock resurfaced online.
Lyrics from his 2001 track “Cool, Daddy Cool” were widely shared, drawing renewed criticism over lines that referenced underage girls. Additionally, a clip from a 2001 appearance on Saturday Night Live began trending again. In the clip, Kid Rock made remarks about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen when they were teenagers—comments that were widely condemned at the time and reignited backlash this week.
Critics labeled the resurfaced material inappropriate and offensive, with some using it as further evidence to question the choice of performer for the alternative halftime event.
Supporters Push Back
Not all reactions were negative.
Some viewers praised the performance, expressing excitement over hearing Kid Rock’s hit “Bawitdaba.” Supporters described the show as energetic and appreciated the lineup’s focus on country and rock artists.
Others applauded Turning Point USA’s effort to create an alternative cultural event, describing it as a moment of representation for audiences who feel underserved by mainstream entertainment platforms.
According to reports, the livestream peaked at approximately five million viewers before dipping slightly during Kid Rock’s segment. At the time of writing, the archived YouTube stream has surpassed 18 million views.
A Cultural Split on Display
This year’s Super Bowl halftime programming became more than entertainment—it became a visible reflection of the broader cultural divide.
On one stage, Latin global pop dominated. On another, a conservative-backed production sought to provide a contrasting message and aesthetic.
The dual halftime shows underscored how deeply entertainment, politics, and identity have intertwined in recent years. Whether viewers tuned in for Bad Bunny, Kid Rock, or both, the conversation extended far beyond music.
Did you watch either halftime show? Which one stood out to you—and why?
