KEY POINTS
- The All American Halftime Show lineup includes Gabby Barrett, Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, and Lee Brice.
- The event will air simultaneously with the NFL’s Super Bowl LX halftime show.
- Turning Point USA frames the show as a family oriented, patriotic entertainment option.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Country singer Gabby Barrett will join Kid Rock and fellow country artists Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice for Turning Point USA’s All American Halftime Show, scheduled for Feb. 8, 2026, organizers confirmed Monday.
The alternative broadcast will run alongside the NFL’s official Super Bowl LX halftime show, which will feature Puerto Rican pop star Bad Bunny.
Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit advocacy group, said the event is designed to celebrate “faith, family and freedom” and will stream live on digital platforms for viewers seeking an alternative to the NFL’s production.
The announcement marks a rare instance of a formally organized counterprogram to one of the most watched entertainment events in the United States.
While the NFL’s halftime show has drawn millions of viewers annually, Turning Point USA is targeting audiences interested in country music and traditional American themes.
Turning Point USA, founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced plans for the alternative halftime show in late 2025, following the NFL’s selection of Bad Bunny as the official halftime performer.
The organization described its goal as offering a “values based” performance with broad appeal among conservative audiences.
Gabby Barrett, a finalist on the 2018 season of “American Idol,” has achieved multiple top-charting country hits and maintains a strong fanbase in the United States.
Kid Rock, a veteran performer known for blending rock and country styles, will headline the event.
“Counterprogramming in high profile events like the Super Bowl is unusual but reflects growing media segmentation,” said Dr. Alicia Rivera, associate professor of media studies at the University of Southern California.
“Organizers are appealing to audiences who prefer traditional or patriotic themes over mainstream pop spectacles.”
Michael Greene, senior research fellow at the Media and Society Institute, noted, “While alternative broadcasts rarely reach the scale of the NFL, they can capture niche audiences and generate significant social media engagement.
This also illustrates how cultural events become arenas for ideological expression.”
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said, “We hope to provide families with an alternative performance that celebrates American values and great music.”
Country music promoter Sarah Whitfield in Nashville added, “The inclusion of well known country artists gives the show credibility.
It demonstrates that mainstream performers are willing to participate in events outside the traditional entertainment ecosystem.”
Observers will monitor viewership metrics and social media engagement after Feb. 8 to assess the alternative broadcast’s reach.
While the official NFL show is expected to dominate ratings, Turning Point USA’s event may provide insights into audience preferences for niche or value oriented entertainment.
The All American Halftime Show underscores the intersection of entertainment, culture, and politics in contemporary media.
By presenting a counter narrative to the NFL’s production, Turning Point USA highlights how major televised events are increasingly used as platforms for broader social and ideological messaging.
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