As Super Bowl LX unfolded on Sunday night, millions of American viewers made an unexpected choice: they changed the channel.
While the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a sizable audience tuned away from the NFL’s official halftime show to watch Turning Point USA’s first-ever “All American Halftime Show,” which streamed simultaneously online.
The alternative broadcast gained traction ahead of kickoff, particularly among viewers disappointed by the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl halftime headliner. As a result, millions opted for a different musical experience—one promoted as a celebration of faith, family, and freedom.
A Country-Driven Alternative
The Turning Point USA event featured performances by Brantley Gilbert, Gabby Barrett, Lee Brice, and Kid Rock, offering a distinctly different tone from the NFL’s halftime production.
The show opened with an instrumental rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by Brantley Gilbert’s guitar player. Gilbert soon followed with an energetic set that included “Real American” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song he co-wrote with Colt Ford and later made famous by Jason Aldean.
“I wrote this next song with a good friend of mine by the name of Colt Ford,” Gilbert told viewers. “Jason Aldean changed our lives when he put it on country radio.”
Gilbert performed amid fireworks and laser effects, wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words “God, Family, Country,” a clear reflection of the event’s theme.
Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice Take the Stage
Next, Gabby Barrett appeared in a teal pantsuit, launching into her breakout hit “I Hope,” followed by “The Good Ones.” Her set kept the energy high, with fans audibly singing along.
Lee Brice followed with a three-song performance, delivering “Drinking Class,” “Hard to Love,” and debuting a new track titled “Country Nowadays.” The song made a bold statement and is expected to appear on his upcoming album.
Some viewers noted the transitions between performances were abrupt, suggesting the show may have been pre-recorded.
Kid Rock Headlines the Event
Headlining the All American Halftime Show was Kid Rock, who made a dramatic entrance wearing a white fur vest, denim shorts, and a top hat as flames shot into the air and an American flag dropped behind the stage. He opened with “Bawitdaba,” igniting cheers from the crowd.
The mood shifted dramatically for his second performance. Introduced by his given name, Robert Ritchie, Kid Rock returned to the stage with an acoustic guitar, accompanied by a cellist and violinist. He performed “’Til You Can’t,” a song written by Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers and popularized by Cody Johnson.
During the performance, Kid Rock revealed he had written an additional verse just days earlier, incorporating lyrics referencing faith and redemption. Following the show, he announced plans to release his version of the song at midnight.
“A big thank you to Cody Johnson and the songwriters Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers for giving me their blessing,” he shared. “Nothing is more powerful than a great song.”
https://youtu.be/nJszMT9wZtQ
A Solemn Closing Moment
The alternative halftime show concluded with a tribute, displaying the words “In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk” alongside images of Kirk and his family.
As Super Bowl LX continued, the moment underscored a growing trend: for some viewers, the halftime show has become a choice—not a given. And this year, millions chose to watch something very different.
