The lead-up to the Super Bowl is filled with excitement, but the alternative halftime show put forth by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is facing skepticism just weeks before the big event. With the official halftime show featuring Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny, TPUSA has yet to announce its lineup, raising questions about the organization’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Originally announced in response to the outrage over Bad Bunny’s selection, TPUSA claimed the “All-American Halftime Show” would feature “multiple performers.” Despite these assurances, the group has not revealed any names, leaving supporters and critics alike wondering about the event’s viability. According to TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, the silence is intended, but skepticism is growing among potential viewers.
In late September 2023, the NFL made waves by announcing that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection sparked backlash from some conservative circles, who felt that a non-American artist should not occupy such a prominent position in American sports. Despite being a native Puerto Rican and a U.S. citizen, Bad Bunny’s performance was criticized by those who seemed unaware of his citizenship status. This led to a significant outcry online, prompting TPUSA to position itself as an alternative.
The organization launched a website for the “All-American Halftime Show,” but for months it remained stagnant, offering little beyond a survey asking for preferred music genres. Recently, the site updated to include a list of media partners, such as One America News and the Daily Wire, but still no performers have been confirmed. Instead, it includes calls for donations and subscriptions, which many interpret as a sign of a lackluster event.
“I plan to watch but you guys need to get on top of the marketing for this,”
one follower remarked on social media. Another fan expressed frustration over unfulfilled orders for TPUSA merchandise, while some expressed a desire for the show to be broadcast on a more accessible channel. A few optimistic supporters still indicated they would tune in, but overall enthusiasm appears limited.
TPUSA, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, has historically struggled to connect with younger audiences. While the organization markets itself as a youth-centric group, its fundraising efforts often target older conservative donors. This disconnect became more apparent after Kirk’s death, as the organization’s events have not translated into significant engagement among younger demographics.
The anticipation surrounding the halftime show has led to various rumors about potential performers. Some have speculated that iconic bands like Creed or artists such as Kid Rock could be involved. However, even Christian music artists have publicly distanced themselves from the event, further raising doubts about the lineup.
The challenge for TPUSA lies in balancing its core audience with the need to attract younger viewers. While the MAGA movement often expresses frustration over feeling excluded from mainstream pop culture, it struggles to engage with contemporary trends and artists. This disconnect is evident as many in the movement express resentment towards current cultural shifts while simultaneously yearning for relevance.
As the Super Bowl approaches on February 11, 2024, the fate of TPUSA’s halftime show remains uncertain. The organization may have capitalized on the outrage over Bad Bunny’s selection to expand its donor base, but whether anyone will tune in to watch the event remains in question. Observers will be watching closely to see how this unfolds, with implications not just for TPUSA but for the broader conversation around cultural representation in major events.
In essence, the “All-American Halftime Show” appears to be struggling to gain traction, reflecting a broader challenge within the MAGA movement to remain relevant in an ever-evolving cultural landscape. The Super Bowl promises to be a spectacle, but this alternative offering is likely to face considerable scrutiny and skepticism from audiences.
