Imagine a Super Bowl halftime show sparking such intense backlash that it divides the nation along political lines—now picture a conservative group stepping in with their own patriotic alternative. That's the drama unfolding with Bad Bunny's performance and Turning Point USA's bold response. But here's where it gets controversial: is this really about language, or something deeper rooted in America's ongoing culture wars? Stick around, because this story reveals layers of division that most people overlook, and it might just make you question where we draw the line on entertainment and identity.
Reading Time: Approximately 4 minutes
We could have anticipated this clash, given the heated debates swirling around.
In the midst of the far-right uproar over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show—where critics have railed against elements like lyrics not sung in English—a prominent conservative organization is stepping up to provide an option for those feeling alienated. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the music; it's a reflection of broader tensions in how we celebrate American culture.
The group leading this initiative is Turning Point USA, established by the late Charlie Kirk and now under the leadership of his widow, Erika Kirk. For those new to this, Turning Point USA is a nonprofit focused on promoting conservative values on college campuses and beyond, often through activism and education.
Erika took over as CEO of Turning Point USA shortly after her husband's tragic murder last month, and this alternative halftime show marks her first significant project in that role. It's a poignant step, blending personal loss with political action.
On Thursday afternoon, the official TPUSA X account unveiled 'The All American Halftime Show,' promising that details on performers and the event itself would be shared soon. The announcement included a link to an interactive poll, inviting users to choose the performance genre. Options ranged from 'Anything in English' to 'Americana,' 'Classic Rock,' 'Pop,' and even 'Worship.' Interestingly, 'Hip Hop' was listed as well—a choice that has drawn plenty of raised eyebrows, especially considering Charlie Kirk's past advice to his followers to ditch 'rap music and this degenerate hip hop stuff.' It's a twist that underscores the irony, and one that could fuel debates about authenticity in conservative circles.
Right after the news broke, several conservative voices chimed in with praise:
Riley Gaines, a former swimmer and outspoken commentator, tweeted: 'Bad Bunny told Americans they had 4 months to learn Spanish if we wanted to understand the Super Bowl halftime show,' referencing remarks the rapper made during his Saturday Night Live appearance last week. 'No thanks. We’ll just have our own. Enjoy your low-rated halftime show.'
But why the strong animosity toward Bad Bunny? Gaines and Turning Point USA aren't pioneers in this criticism; they've joined a chorus of conservatives who've voiced opposition to a halftime show featuring Spanish-language elements.
Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Bad Bunny right after the rapper was confirmed for the Super Bowl gig. Soon after, House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed those sentiments, calling the NFL's choice 'a terrible decision.'
So, what's driving this trend among MAGA supporters? For beginners, MAGA stands for 'Make America Great Again,' a slogan tied to Trump's movement. Many critics seem to believe that Bad Bunny, born in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, doesn't qualify as truly American. Yet, this overlooks the fact that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, and the rapper has deep ties to American culture—think of his global hits that blend genres and languages.
Even if birthplace were the sole criterion, past Super Bowl performers like Rihanna (from Barbados), The Weeknd (from Canada), and Shakira (from Colombia) faced no such protests. Those shows happened in an era before every cultural moment became a flashpoint in the relentless culture war—a term describing the ideological battles pitting groups against each other over issues like identity, language, and heritage.
Of course, Turning Point USA has every right to organize their anti-Bunny event. But here's the controversial angle: is this counterprogramming uniting people or further fracturing them? And this is where it gets really thought-provoking—could it be that the real issue isn't the language in the songs, but a fear of embracing America's diverse roots? For example, Bad Bunny's music often celebrates Latinx influences, which are integral to U.S. history, from the Southwest's Spanish heritage to the vibrant communities in cities like Miami and Los Angeles.
Hopefully, we're inching toward a time when Americans view these situations beyond Red vs. Blue divides—Red often symbolizing conservative views, Blue liberal ones—and instead foster a healthy skepticism toward those who amplify divisions in an already polarized society. It's a call for unity, but one that invites debate: Do you think cultural events should be gatekept by language or origin? Is Turning Point's approach a clever alternative or just more fuel for the fire? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the backlash, or see it as an overreaction? Let's discuss!
