HOUSTON – The Super Bowl always draws attention for the matchup on the field. But this year, the halftime show has become a conversation of its own. Days before kickoff, people are talking about the music, the message, and what it means to fans from many different corners.
Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show.
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He has become one of the biggest music stars of the past decade, not only in Latin music but worldwide.
Bad Bunny holds records for streaming numbers and chart entries, and his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Foto,s became the first Spanish-language album in history to win Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
That win was one of several Grammy Awards he has collected, including Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance.
He also has multiple Latin Grammy wins and recognition at other awards shows. This places him among the most awarded artists of his generation.
His rise did not happen overnight. He first gained international attention by blending reggaeton and Latin trap with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics.
He topped global streaming charts, became Spotify’s most-streamed artist multiple times, and sold out stadiums worldwide.
His music often reflects his roots in Puerto Rico, and fans see his Super Bowl performance as a milestone in representation and global pop culture.
The alternative halftime show and what’s behind it
Not all of the official choice has been supportive. Parts of the conversation on social platforms included criticism of the halftime pick, some focused on language and genre preferences, and others tied it to broader cultural issues.
That backlash found expression in an alternative event announced by Turning Point USA.
Called the “All-American Halftime Show,” the lineup includes Kid Rock alongside country artists such as Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice and Gabby Barrett. Organizers described it as a show celebrating “faith, family and freedom,” positioned as an option for viewers unhappy with the official halftime choice.
This alternative show is scheduled to take place roughly at the same time as the official halftime performance, and it has its own stream and coverage on various conservative outlets and social platforms.
Who Kid Rock is and why he figures into the conversation
Kid Rock rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with a mix of rock, rap, and country influences. He scored hits with songs like Bawitdaba, Cowbo,y and Picture and became known for blending genres in a way that appealed to rock and country audiences. In recent years, he has also been vocal in political spaces, performing at political rallies and aligning with conservative audiences. This has kept his name in public conversation long after his peak chart years.
Supporters of the alternative show say his music and persona reflect what they see as a more traditional or familiar style of entertainment tied to past Super Bowl eras. Critics of the counterprogramming argue that the event underscores deeper cultural divides rather than providing a musical alternative with the same reach as the official halftime show.
What this conversation means for viewers
This year’s halftime show has become more than just music between halves. It reflects broader conversations about taste, representation, and cultural identity. Social media reactions range from celebration to criticism, and both sides have amplified their voices online as the game approaches.
For local viewers in Houston, the Super Bowl and the official halftime show will be on KPRC 2, where our team will bring details of the performance, fan reaction, and context around the conversation. Whether fans tune in for the game, the music, or the culture conversation, many are already watching closely.