"A failure to understand cultural significance": Internet reacts as Charlie Kirk's TPUSA announces new 'Halftime Show' to protest Bad Bunny

Amid Bad Bunny's Super Bowl drama, late Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA has announced it will stage its own "All American Super Bowl Halftime Show" in February 2026. The announcement comes weeks after the NFL confirmed Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the official Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.

Turning Point USA shared the news via their official X (formerly Twitter) page, writing:

"🚨 HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 It’s true, Turning Point USA is thrilled to announce The All American Halftime Show. Performers and event details coming soon. 2.8.2026. http://AMERICANHALFTIMESHOW.COM"

Netizens reacted to the announcement, saying:

"Protesting an artist's choices with a bland alternative shows a failure to understand cultural significance and diversity."

Turning Point USA is now led by Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk. The group said the alternative show will "celebrate faith, family, and freedom." Notably, the event will take place on the same night as football's one of the biggest events, Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Internet reactions to Charlie Kirk's TPUSA announcing 'All American Super Bowl Halftime Show' to protest Bad Bunny

Pop Crave took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to post that,

"Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA announced it will host its own ‘All American Super Bowl Halftime Show’ to protest Bad Bunny’s headlining performance. The organization provided genres for fans to choose for the show including ‘Anything in English,’ ‘Americana,’ and ‘Worship.’"

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Netizens were notably quick to jump into the comment section of the X post as they penned their opinions regarding Bad Bunny and Charlie Kirk's TPUSA drama. Below are some of their reactions:

"Imagine being a grown adult not knowing Puerto Ricans are American citizens", commented an X user.

"nothing like worship during the halftime show thats what i always say", stated another.

"That’s quite a bold move from Turning Point USA. Hosting their own “All American Super Bowl Halftime Show” highlights how polarizing entertainment choices have become in culture wars. Offering genres like “Anything in English,” “Americana,” and “Worship” signals their attempt to frame the event around specific cultural and ideological values, creating a stark contrast to Bad Bunny’s mainstream, global appeal.", penned a third.

Others also chimed in:

"Lmao morgan wallen and carrie underwood it's your moment to shine", stated a netizen.

"Bad Bunny is American so why all these drama? jjust say y'all want a yt singer lol", commented another.

"Imagine being this mad about someone performing in another language at the Super Bowl. Peak patriotism.", added a third.

The controversy started in September, when the NFL revealed that Bad Bunny would headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The choice drew criticism from significant personalities.

POTUS Donald Trump called the decision "absolutely ridiculous," adding, "I have never heard of" Bad Bunny. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it "a terrible decision" and suggested country singer Lee Greenwood would have been a better fit. Johnson said,

"Someone like Lee Greenwood represents the values this country was built on. Not somebody like this."

Notably, Turning Point USA's "All American Halftime Show" webpage now hosts a survey asking people what genres they would like featured at the event. The first option listed is "Anything in English." Other options include "Americana," "Country," and "Worship."

Bad Bunny also addressed the Super Bowl backlash during his October 4 appearance on the Saturday Night Live Season 51 premiere. In his opening monologue, Bad Bunny stated:

"I'm really excited to be doing the Super Bowl. People all around the world who love my music are happy too. Especially all the Latinos and Latinas in the United States who have worked to open doors. It’s more than a win for me, it’s a win for all of us. Our footprints and contributions in this country can’t be erased."

It is worth noting that Bad Bunny has opted to exclude U.S. mainland stops from his upcoming "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" World Tour due to concerns about ICE operations. A complete itinerary for his global run is as follows:

Latin America

Friday, November 21, 2025, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at Estadio Olímpico
Saturday, November 22, 2025, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at Estadio Olímpico
Friday, December 5, 2025, San José, Costa Rica, at Estadio Nacional
Saturday, December 6, 2025, San José, Costa Rica, at Estadio Nacional
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Thursday, December 11, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Friday, December 12, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Monday, December 15, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Friday, December 19, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Saturday, December 20, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Sunday, December 21, 2025, Mexico City, Mexico, at Estadio GNP Seguros
Friday, January 23, 2026, Medellín, Colombia, at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Saturday, January 24, 2026, Medellín, Colombia, at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Sunday, January 25, 2026, Medellín, Colombia, at Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Friday, January 30, 2026, Lima, Peru, at Estadio Nacional
Saturday, January 31, 2026, Lima, Peru, at Estadio Nacional
Thursday, February 5, 2026, Santiago, Chile, at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Friday, February 6, 2026, Santiago, Chile, at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Saturday, February 7, 2026, Santiago, Chile, at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos
Friday, February 13, 2026, Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Estadio River Plate
Saturday, February 14, 2026, Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Estadio River Plate
Sunday, February 15, 2026, Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Estadio River Plate
Friday, February 20, 2026, São Paulo, Brazil, at Allianz Parque
Saturday, February 21, 2026, São Paulo, Brazil, at Allianz Parque