In a move that’s sparking significant buzz, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative nonprofit organization co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk and now led by his widow, Erika Kirk, is announcing its own Super Bowl halftime event. This announcement has stirred the pot, as TPUSA takes aim at the mainstream Super Bowl performance by Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny.

The newly revealed event is called “The All American Halftime Show,” which will take place on the same day as the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. While specific performance details are still under wraps, the website for the event suggests one bold option in its sign-up form: “anything in English.” This line has already raised eyebrows, as it points directly at the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

For many, the outrage surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance centers on his criticism of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the fact that he predominantly sings in Spanish. This has led some right-wing critics to argue that the selection of Bad Bunny, an artist who hails from Puerto Rico, is an affront to American culture. His message about standing against ICE and his unapologetic celebration of Latin culture has polarized audiences. Bad Bunny, however, has remained unshaken by his detractors. During his monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL), the artist joked, “You might not know this, but I’m doing the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and I’m very happy, and I think everybody’s happy about it … even Fox News!” The comment, accompanied by a humorous montage of edited clips featuring Fox News anchors praising Bad Bunny, brought the house down with laughter.

Despite this playful jab, the announcement of TPUSA’s own halftime event has made it clear that the debate over cultural representation and language in entertainment is far from over.

Promotional graphic for Super Bowl LIX in San Francisco with colorful city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge elements in the background. Super Bowl logo prominently displayed. Erika Kirk smiling on the left wearing white blazer black top necklace cross pendant. Bad Bunny on the right with sunglasses white shirt. Crowd cheering in foreground with fans in red shirts.

The TPUSA Super Bowl Halftime Show: A Response to Bad Bunny’s Critics

TPUSA’s announcement of their own event underscores the divisiveness that surrounds the Super Bowl’s halftime shows in recent years. The organization’s decision to organize a “counter-event” isn’t merely about hosting a competing spectacle, but rather, a calculated response to the increasing presence of non-English speaking artists in mainstream American events. This decision raises critical questions about the intersection of politics, culture, and entertainment.

Erika Kirk, who now heads TPUSA after the untimely passing of her husband Charlie, has been vocal in her stance against the growing influence of figures like Bad Bunny, arguing that it’s time to highlight and celebrate American values through entertainment. By offering the “anything in English” option, the organization seems to be pushing back against what they perceive as the growing dominance of Spanish-language music and artists in the U.S. mainstream media.

For many conservatives, the selection of Bad Bunny is seen as part of a larger cultural shift where American identity is being redefined, sometimes in a way that feels exclusionary to those who prefer a more traditional view of American culture. This pushback can be observed not only in the response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl selection but also in broader national conversations about immigration, language, and patriotism.

The timing of TPUSA’s event comes at a moment when debates about national identity are deeply tied to ongoing political and cultural discussions. With TPUSA’s focus on a celebration of American values, it seems poised to challenge the prevailing narratives about inclusion and diversity that have been at the heart of many entertainment discussions over the past few years.

Bad Bunny’s Unwavering Response to Critics

Despite the backlash, Bad Bunny seems to be navigating the criticism with humor and grace. His appearance on SNL provided the perfect platform for him to engage with the controversy in a lighthearted way. In his monologue, he responded to his critics, including those who have called his Super Bowl performance a political statement, by turning the focus on the absurdity of the situation, even joking about Fox News’ contradictory praise.

Bad Bunny’s comments on SNL reflect a deeper understanding of the ongoing culture wars in America, and rather than shying away from the controversy, he embraces it. His insistence on speaking in Spanish and representing Puerto Rican culture is a statement of defiance in the face of those who wish to limit what is considered “American.” This only adds fuel to the fire, with both sides of the debate continuing to clash over what should be represented on the biggest stage in American entertainment.

Vụ ám sát Charlie Kirk: Bi kịch cá nhân, cơn địa chấn chính trị

The Divisive Politics of Entertainment

The divide over Bad Bunny’s halftime show is far from just a matter of music. It’s part of a larger, ongoing political conversation in the U.S. about identity, language, and immigration. From TPUSA’s backlash to the performance to Bad Bunny’s rejection of criticism, the debate encapsulates a key cultural struggle: the clash between progressive ideals of inclusion and conservatives’ focus on traditional values.

The controversy has already spread like wildfire across social media, with supporters of TPUSA rallying around the “All American” show as a stand for American values and patriotism. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s fans and allies argue that his rise to prominence is a victory for cultural inclusion and representation. It’s clear that, at least for now, there’s no middle ground between these competing narratives.

As the Super Bowl approaches, both events—TPUSA’s “All American” show and Bad Bunny’s halftime performance—are bound to remain at the center of the public’s attention. The debate surrounding these events speaks to broader cultural shifts and the ongoing political polarization in the U.S. It also raises the question of whether the biggest stage in American entertainment can continue to accommodate the diverse voices of a nation that is more divided than ever before.

Conclusion: A Battle of Culture and Identity

Turning Point USA’s announcement of their own Super Bowl halftime show has ignited a fierce cultural and political debate that is emblematic of the current state of American entertainment. As the controversy over Bad Bunny’s performance continues to unfold, it’s clear that entertainment is no longer just about music—it’s become a battleground for national identity, values, and the future of political discourse. Whether TPUSA’s event will stand as a legitimate alternative or a political statement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation about culture, language, and inclusion in the U.S. is far from over.