Zach Bryan Critiques Turning Point USA's Alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show

Zach Bryan has thrown his hat into the ring regarding the 2026 Super Bowl halftime controversy, openly criticizing Turning Point USA for staging a competing event during Bad Bunny’s official performance.

“I don’t care what side you’re on, a bunch of adults throwing temper tantrums and their own halftime show is embarrassing as hell and the most cringe s*** on the planet,” Bryan, 29, reportedly expressed in a now-deleted Instagram Story on February 9, as noted by various sources.

Just a day earlier, the “Pink Skies” artist directed his ire at Kid Rock, the headliner for the Turning Point USA All-American Halftime Show. In a post from February 8, Bryan shared an image of a viewer attempting to obscure their TV screen while Bad Bunny, 31, performed at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California. The viewer was simultaneously watching Kid Rock’s alternative show on their phone.

“What Kid Rock actually thinks is happening across America,” Bryan captioned the image, taking a pointed jab at the rock musician.

The halftime show rivalry has been brewing since late 2025 when Bad Bunny was announced as the main act for Super Bowl 60. While many fans were thrilled to see the Puerto Rican rapper take center stage, backlash emerged from conservative circles, media commentators, and Republican figures—including former President Donald Trump—who questioned Bad Bunny’s American identity due to his Puerto Rican heritage and Spanish-language performances.

In response to this criticism, Turning Point USA, led by Erika Kirk following the passing of founder Charlie Kirk, declared in October 2025 that they would host an alternative halftime show. According to spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, this event aimed to provide “an opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family, and freedom.”

Performers at this secondary show included Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

Prior to the Super Bowl, Kid Rock addressed the perceived competition between the two shows. “We plan to play great songs for folks who love America,” he stated on February 2. He likened their effort to David versus Goliath, acknowledging the challenge of competing against both the NFL and a global pop icon.

Kid Rock also commented on Bad Bunny’s anticipated performance, saying, “He’s said he’s having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America,” he added.

As the Super Bowl unfolded with the Seattle Seahawks facing off against the New England Patriots—who lost 29-13—fans tuned in to support both halftime shows. Bad Bunny made history by performing entirely in Spanish and featured surprise guests like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Celebrities such as Alix Earle, Jessica Alba, and Pedro Pascal were seen enjoying his extravagant performance from the field.

As halftime drew to a close, Bad Bunny held up a football inscribed with “Together, we are America.” He also acknowledged all of the Americas—Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada—amid ongoing discussions about ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

A powerful message displayed on the stadium jumbotron read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” as Bad Bunny exited the field.