Kid Rock’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show is being slammed across social media, with fans and critics alike making the same complaint.
On Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in front of a massive US TV audience.
But this year’s Super Bowl wasn’t just about what happened on the field.
As usual, millions of viewers cared just as much about the halftime entertainment as the football – and this year, there were two very different shows to choose from.
While the NFL’s official halftime show featured Bad Bunny, millions of viewers opted to switch over to Turning Point USA’s rival ‘All-American Halftime Show,’ drawn by the promise of a very different kind of spectacle.
Kid Rock headlined the alternative concert, performing alongside Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
The conservative-backed broadcast had already divided opinion before kickoff – and that divide only grew wider once Kid Rock’s performance began.
As the ‘All Summer Long’ rapper took center stage, criticism quickly followed, with viewers repeatedly pointing out the same issue.
At the same time, the renewed spotlight on Kid Rock has resurfaced a series of previous controversies that many viewers say they are only now discovering.
Bad Bunny takes Super Bowl center stage
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026.
The singer and rapper, who has topped Spotify’s most-streamed artist list in three of the past five years, had less than 15 minutes to deliver his biggest hits.
The Puerto Rican superstar broke language barriers and helped bring reggaeton and Latin trap into the mainstream around the world.
Reacting to the announcement at the time, Bad Bunny said: “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself.
“It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown.
“This is for my people, my culture, and our history.”
Some had expected Bad Bunny to use the Super Bowl stage to make a direct political statement against the current US administration.
Instead, his performance focused on a message of unity and pride, rather than explicit political criticism – a choice that still sparked debate among viewers online.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was widely described as a love letter to his native Puerto Rico.
The 14-minute set featured guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, and Jessica Alba.
The Grammy Award winner performed a medley of his biggest hits, including ‘Tití Me Preguntó,’ ‘MONACO,’ and ‘BAILE INoLVIDABLE.’
The set design transported viewers through a Latin-inspired landscape, with backdrops ranging from a nail salon to a neighborhood bar.
The 31-year-old made history by becoming the first artist to deliver a Super Bowl halftime show entirely in Spanish.
While the performance was primarily in Spanish, Bad Bunny did make two statements in English during the show.
One message appeared on a billboard reading: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
Another was written on a football he held during the set, which read: “Together, We Are America.”
His performance marked the first time he had performed in the US since releasing last year’s Grammy award-winning album ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos).’
Trump skips Super Bowl – but doesn’t hold back on Bad Bunny
There were no direct criticisms of President Donald Trump during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, which some viewers found surprising.
Especially as the singer had used his acceptance speeches at the 2026 Grammy Awards to speak out against ICE.
Their actions have prompted protests in multiple US cities, most recently in Minneapolis, where federal agents shot and killed two Americans, leading to renewed scrutiny of the administration’s tactics.
During his Grammy acceptance speech after winning Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny called for ‘ICE out.’
He added: “The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love, so, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love.”
President Trump, who did not attend this year’s Super Bowl, said in January that his administration would be ‘reviewing everything’ following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Trump didn’t wait long to weigh in on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance on his Truth Social account.
He wrote that the set was ‘absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!’
Trump added that the performance was ‘an affront to the Greatness of America.’
In contrast, Trump has been very vocal about his support for Kid Rock.
Fans were quick to point out what they saw as double standards in the backlash around Bad Bunny’s performance.
One wrote: “You know what’s funny about this Bad Bunny ‘outrage’? We’ve had several ACTUAL non-American performers in the history of the halftime show – The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Rihanna, The Weeknd, U2 – and there wasn’t an issue.
“Folks just out here yapping.”
The President did not attend the Super Bowl on Sunday night, having previously said the game was ‘too far away’ for him to attend.
However, behind the scenes, some political commentators suggested the decision may also have been influenced by concerns over how he would be received in the stadium.
Vice President JD Vance was recently met with loud boos while attending the Winter Olympics, highlighting how senior political figures have faced hostile receptions at major sporting events.
Some commentators suggested the reaction to Vance may have factored into concerns about how Trump would be received in a packed stadium on one of the most-watched nights of the year.
Trump’s spokesperson, Davis Ingle, said in a statement that the President was focused on his work.
He added that if Trump had attended the Super Bowl, he would have received a ‘warm welcome‘ from supporters.
Kid Rock faces backlash over ‘underage’ lyric
While the NFL’s official Super Bowl halftime show featured Bad Bunny, Kid Rock performed in Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American Halftime Show,’ a conservative-backed alternative broadcast that streamed online during the game.
The event was promoted around themes of ‘faith, family and freedom.’
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, performed alongside country artists Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
The show was live-streamed across Turning Point USA’s social media channels and partner platforms, positioning itself as a cultural counterpoint to the NFL’s main event – and setting expectations high for fans tuning in.
Almost immediately, social media users began resurfacing lyrics from Kid Rock’s 2001 song ‘Cool, Daddy Cool.’
The track includes a line referencing ‘underage’ girls, which many critics described as disturbing and inappropriate.
Critics called the lyric appalling and uncomfortable, particularly because the Turning Point USA event was promoted as ‘family friendly.’
Adding to the controversy, the song also appeared in the animated movie Osmosis Jones, which was aimed at younger audiences.
The movie was directed by the Farrelly brothers, who are known for comedies such as Dumb and Dumber, Shallow Hal, and There’s Something About Mary.
The film featured a star-studded cast including Chris Rock (Madagascar), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), William Shatner (Star Trek), and Bill Murray (Ghostbusters).
The lyric that has sparked controversy reads: “Young ladies, young ladies, I like ’em underage.
“See, some say that’s statutory. But I say it’s mandatory.”
Part of the verse was performed by rapper Joe C, Kid Rock’s late hype man and longtime collaborator.
Mary-Kate and Ashley comments come back to haunt Kid Rock
The backlash ahead of the Super Bowl has also revived old clips from Kid Rock’s early career.
Footage from a 2001 appearance on Saturday Night Live has circulated again, showing the rapper making comments about Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who were 14 at the time.
“Why is every guy in America waiting on these chicks to turn 18?” he said.
“I mean – you know what I say – if there’s grass on the field, play ball.”
The resurfaced clip has added to the criticism, with many saying it reinforces concerns about a broader pattern of inappropriate remarks rather than a single controversial lyric.
“F*** Kid Rock… society as a whole during that period was weird AF,” one user wrote.
The Democratic Party shared a photo of Kid Rock alongside a transcript of the joke, captioning the post: “The face of the MAGA Halftime Show.”
The post quickly drew reactions across social media.
One user responded on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “SO gross!”
Another added: “He is a disgusting human being. It’s no wonder the MAGA base loves him.”
A third commenter wrote sarcastically: “Shocking. So out of character. Well, he fits in nicely with the rest of them.”
Kid Rock’s long history of controversy resurfaces
This is not the first time Kid Rock’s past lyrics and public persona have caused problems.
In 2005, when rumors swirled that he had been booked to perform at George W. Bush’s inauguration, the conservative American Family Association led protests that ultimately saw him kicked off the bill.
At the time, critics argued that his lyrics clashed with the ‘family values’ political organizers were trying to project.
Those past objections are now being resurfaced alongside the latest backlash, with critics pointing out that similar concerns were raised nearly two decades ago.
The rapper previously sparked criticism from conservative groups due to lyrics describing ‘how he s**ually exploits every girl and then asks them if he can do it with their moms.’
Veteran producer George Schlatter told People that the Bush twins, Barbara and Jenna, had asked for Rock to perform.
He said: “Kid Rock was just a mistake. When I heard he was going to perform, I said, ‘Are you sure?’
“The two Bush girls requested Kid Rock – they love him. He’s hot, and he’s young. But nobody at the (inaugural) committee ever sat down and listened to his albums.”
Outrage among conservative groups was intense at the time.
“If this s**-crazed animal, whose favorite word is the F-word, is allowed to sing at Bush’s inauguration this will send a clear message to pro-family Americans that the Republican Party has taken them for a ride and ditched them in the gutter,” Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families, told WND.
Past lyrics and public backlash
The Detroit-based rapper, who was voted the S****iest Male Celebrity at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, also released a track titled ‘P*** of the Nation,’ which took a swipe at Bush’s mother.
The lyrics include: “P*** of the Nation, I could be it, As a matter of a fact, I foresee it, But only pin’ h**s with the big t***, While you be left p***in’ Barbara Bush.”
At the time, critics also took aim at Kid Rock for including the F-word in his song titles, such as ‘F*** U Blind’ and ‘F*** Off.’
Jan LaRue, chief counsel with Concerned Women for America, also slammed Kid Rock’s involvement in the highly controversial 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.
She said in a statement: “The 540,000 complaints Americans made to the FCC about last year’s Super Bowl halftime show weren’t limited to Janet Jackson. Many were outraged by Kid Rock’s performance too.
“This guy ought to be inaugurated into jail life for violating obscenity laws.”
Kid Rock previously performed during the infamous Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004, which became known for Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s ‘wardrobe malfunction.’
The broadcast led to widespread complaints, tighter broadcasting rules, and long-lasting changes to how halftime shows were produced and vetted.
His presence during one of the most controversial Super Bowl moments in history has been referenced again this week as part of the wider debate around his involvement in major televised events.
Kid Rock has yet to directly addressed the backlash over his resurfaced lyrics.
Instead, he shared a quote attributed to Kobe Bryant about ‘learning to love the hate,’ which many critics viewed as deflecting from the specific concerns being raised.
The backlash has now spilled beyond social media.
Some performers have reportedly withdrawn from appearances linked to Kid Rock’s politically associated ‘Rock the Country’ tour, and public figures have weighed in with pointed remarks.
For many viewers, the controversy has once again highlighted the culture wars now surrounding major entertainment moments like the Super Bowl, where music, politics, and public values collide on one of the biggest stages in American sports.
Fans all say the same thing about Kid Rock’s performance
Turning Point USA’s ‘All-American Halftime Show’ started with a guitar solo of the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’
The songs ‘Real American’ and ‘Dirt Road Anthem’ by country musician Brantley Gilbert followed.
Kid Rock closed out the show with a short set that included his 1999 hit ‘Bawitdaba’ and ended with a cover of Cody Johnson’s ‘’Til You Can’t.’
Almost immediately, social media lit up with reactions – and a large number of viewers made the same complaint.
Many accused the rapper of lip-syncing and said the performance felt rushed or awkwardly cut short.
“Nice lip syncing,” one viewer wrote. “Did Kid Rock just badly lip sync through his song? Or was my stream messed up?” another asked.
“So was that a bad lip sync job by Kid Rock? Or was my stream messed up? Thank you for your attention to this matter,” one fan added.
“Did Kid Rock do like a minute of lip sync and dip, LOL?” another said.
A third viewer claimed: “It was a minute of lip sync and then he dipped.”
Several fans also criticized the energy and length of the set.
“Bruh, I thought I was gonna see Kid Rock come and slay. He didn’t do anything but play his song and do a funny dance,” one person commented.
Another added: “Where did Kid Rock go?” while a third wrote: “That was terrible.”
“It was a**. Kid Rock came out for 45 seconds to lip sync and drop the mic five times while he was still ‘singing,’” someone else said.
“Kid Rock showed up for one minute and lip-synced every third bar from the first verse of ‘Bawitdaba’ while tweaking in jorts and playing with his fedora, then it awkwardly cut to a classical performance,” one fan claimed.
Others went further, using the moment to take jabs at Kid Rock and his fan base.
“Hard to believe anyone would enjoy watching a washed-up drunkard failing to lip sync, but you people are infamous for horrible taste,” one critic wrote.
“Kid Rock makes music for guys who are only allowed to see their children every other weekend, but don’t,” another added.
“A washed-out Kid Rock with no good music. White culture is trash,” somebody else commented.
Some viewers used the moment to defend the NFL’s official halftime show instead.
“Bad Bunny’s was exactly what we needed,” one fan said.
“Everyone hating on Bad Bunny doing the Super Bowl halftime show is so weird. If you can’t shake a**, just say that,” another added.
Others criticized the wider political culture around the backlash.
“MAGA truly are the biggest snowflakes. They cry over Bad Bunny, they cry over American athletes speaking out, they cry over Disney movies. They are insufferable, sensitive, and perpetually unhappy,” one user remarked.
Not everyone hated the performance, however.
Several fans praised the TPUSA broadcast and Kid Rock’s appearance, particularly the tribute at the end of the show to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
“Kid Rock busted out ‘Bawitdaba.’ Unbelievable and totally awesome!” one supporter wrote.
“Maybe I’m old, but I loved his second performance more than the lip sync,” another said.
A third fan added: “TPUSA halftime performance was worth it. History was made tonight, my friends. Love you, Charlie.”
“Had me in a puddle of tears! Sooooo amazing!!!” another wrote.
The 30-minute broadcast ran a few minutes into the third quarter of the Super Bowl and was streamed live by more than 4 million viewers on YouTube.
Love it or hate it, one thing’s clear – everyone is talking about it.
So which halftime show did you watch, and do you think you made the right choice?
You can watch both performances below and let us know your thoughts…
