The Super Bowl LX halftime show is turning into a full-blown culture war as Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance sparks backlash from conservative groups now planning a rival broadcast. With millions expected to tune in on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, a right-wing organization has announced it will air an alternative halftime show aimed at viewers unhappy with the NFL’s choice.
Turning Point USA revealed plans to stage what it calls an “All-American Halftime Show,” positioning it as a direct counter to the league’s selection of Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose music is largely in Spanish, was named the halftime headliner for one of the most-watched television events in the US, a decision that quickly ignited outrage in certain conservative circles.
The group says its alternative broadcast will highlight “faith, family, and freedom,” framing the effort as a response to what it views as the NFL drifting away from traditional American values. The announcement, shared on social media, made clear that the goal is to provide a cultural alternative during the halftime window rather than compete with the game itself.
Fueling the controversy further, Turning Point USA recently ran an online poll asking supporters what type of music they would want featured in the rival show. Alongside options like country, hip-hop, and worship music, one choice drew immediate attention: “anything in English.” The option was widely seen as a pointed jab at Bad Bunny and the prominence of Spanish-language music on the Super Bowl stage.
Organizers confirmed the alternative halftime show will stream on conservative-friendly platforms including Daily Wire+ and Real America’s Voice. However, as kickoff approaches, key details remain unclear. No performers have been announced, and no production location has been disclosed, leaving questions about how the event will come together.
The NFL has stood firm amid the backlash. Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the decision to book Bad Bunny, emphasizing the artist’s massive global popularity and the league’s intent to appeal to a worldwide audience. He acknowledged that every halftime show draws criticism but expressed confidence that the performance will resonate with fans.
Bad Bunny appears largely unfazed by the criticism. The Grammy winner has often addressed complaints about his Spanish-language music with humor. During a recent Saturday Night Live appearance, he joked that anyone who didn’t understand Spanish had “four months to learn it,” a line that quickly went viral.
The singer has faced political scrutiny before for his outspoken views on Puerto Rican and Latino issues, and past reports claimed he avoided touring certain states over concerns about immigration enforcement targeting fans. Still, Bad Bunny has said he’s excited for the Super Bowl moment and focused on delivering a performance for audiences around the world.
As Super Bowl Sunday nears, the clash between the NFL’s halftime vision and conservative counter-programming highlights how a once-unifying pop culture event has become another flashpoint in America’s ongoing cultural divide.
