Turning Point USA National Halftime Show Recap
The Turning Point USA National Halftime Show kicked off Sunday night, featuring a politically charged immigration message from a Puerto Rican pop star. This event filled the void left by Bad Bunny’s exclusive performance in Spain during Super Bowl 60, attracting millions of viewers who tuned in online.
“Welcome to the Turning Point USA National Halftime Show. And this one’s for you, Charlie,” host Jack Posobiec said, paying tribute to the late founder Charlie Kirk. Brantley Gilbert opened the show with an electric guitar cover of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Gilbert started with a patriotic twist on “Real American,” leading into a stirring version of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem.”
Next up was Gabby Barrett, who wowed the audience with her hit “I Hope,” emerging from a dimly lit stage to enthusiastic applause. She followed with “The Good Ones.”
By the time Lee Brice took to the stage, the live YouTube stream had attracted about 4.5 million viewers. As he began singing “Drinking Class,” that number surged past 5 million.
Before diving into his next song, Brice paid homage to Charlie Kirk, stating, “Charlie gave people a microphone so they could say what they thought. This is what I think.” He transitioned to his new song “Country Idea,” which carries a politically charged message.
Lyrics from “Country Idea”:
It’s not easy to be a country in this country now.
The direction your finger points when everything goes up in flames.
I say I’m a right-wing devil because I was the red letter that Jesus raised.
It’s not easy to be a country in this country now.
Bryce concluded his set with an emotional performance of “Hard to Love.”
Following Bryce was Kid Rock, who ramped up the energy with his classic “Bawitdaba” before mellowing things down with a cover of Cody Johnson’s hit “Till You Can’t.” Rock added a personal twist to the song, encouraging listeners to read the Bible and embrace their faith.
“Somewhere in your house there’s a book that could be dusted off / There’s a man who died on a cross for all our sins / You give your life to Jesus and he gives you a second chance / Until you can’t anymore,” Kid Rock sang.
A montage honoring Kirk was displayed on screen, showcasing images of him, his widow Erica, and their children.
