Kid Rock, alongside Turning Point USA, presented an alternative to the official NFL Super Bowl halftime show, which was produced by Apple and featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Kid Rock’s “All-American” halftime show, which included performances by Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, and Gabby Barrett, attracted approximately 5 million viewers through two YouTube livestreams. However, the show claimed to have amassed over 25 million views combined across YouTube and Rumble platforms.
Mixed Reactions to Kid Rock’s Performance from Celebrities and Fans
Kid Rock’s energetic stage presence at age 55 did not resonate with all viewers, including NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and his wife, Amanda Wallace. Both expressed support for Bad Bunny while criticizing Kid Rock’s show. Amanda took to Instagram to praise Bad Bunny’s halftime set with an NFL video, writing, “So good, loved it all!”
2nd hand embarrassment for anyone who chose to watch the alternative.
—Amanda Wallace, NASCAR Spouse
Bubba Wallace also shared his admiration for Bad Bunny, referring to the Grammy-winning singer by his real name, Benito. On his Instagram story, Bubba posted,
What a proud moment it must be for the Puerto Rican community!! I enjoyed that!
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver
Highlights of Bad Bunny’s Celebrated Super Bowl Performance
Bad Bunny’s 13-minute halftime show featured songs performed entirely in Spanish, including hits like Titi Me Preguntó, NuevoYol, and El Apagón. The set included appearances by notable celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Ronald Acuña Jr., Lady Gaga, and Ricky Martin, enhancing the spectacle and its cultural significance.
Broader Criticism and Commentary on the Rival Halftime Event
Amanda Wallace was not the only figure to publicly challenge the Turning Point USA halftime show. On “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart mocked the alternative event as a reactionary repudiation of the NFL’s official production. The choice to create a competing show was interpreted by some as a backlash to Bad Bunny’s cultural representation on the main stage.
One commentator described the political undercurrents behind the rival show, remarking,
These people who control every branch of government are so triggered by someone singing in Spanish for 20 minutes, they need to create their own safe space alternative halftime show, where Trad Bunny over here is singing songs about how he can’t even enjoy sitting in a truck and drinking beer because he knows that somewhere out there, there’s a trans person,
and later added,
It’s actually ——- pathetic,
The gap between the power you all wield and the victimhood you all claim is the real offense. If you didn’t actually have the power to do so much damage in our country, I think we’d all dismiss it as a weak and pathetic pity party.
Bubba and Amanda Wallace’s Personal Connection Amid Public Debate
Bubba Wallace and Amanda Wallace’s relationship began in high school and rekindled at a college football game, leading to their family growing with a child born in 2024 and another expected in 2026. Both remain vocal in sharing their perspectives regarding the Super Bowl halftime controversy, using their platforms to express pride in Bad Bunny and critique the rival event.
