Christians Encouraged to Watch Alternative Halftime Show

The family advocacy group One Million Moms is encouraging Christians to watch Turning Point USA’s alternative Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday at 7pm Central instead of the official network performance by Bad Bunny.

The Puerto Rican musician, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will headline the 12- to 15-minute Apple Music halftime slot. The show typically draws more than 100 million viewers. The rapper plans to be in drag during his performance and use the opportunity to honor “generations of drag, resistance and cultural rebellion.”

His planned appearance has drawn praise from supporter and oppositon from those longing for a more family-friendly half-time show void of half-naked performers and alleged devil imagery.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is voicing support for pop superstar Bad Bunny in light of the artist’s Grammy acceptance speech Sunday night.

“Bad Bunny, and I think that was demonstrated last night, was one of the greatest artists in the world,” Goodell said during a press conference on Monday. “And it’s one of the reasons we chose him. The other reason is he understood the platform he was on. This platform is used to unite people … and I think artists in the past have done that. Bad Bunny understands that and I think he’ll have a great show.”

The singer has become known for his public support for LGBTQ ideology and opposition to U.S. immigration enforcement. In a USA Today story, the performer was described as “accusing everything he doesn’t like of racism.”

NPR’s Radio Ambulante, in a 2023 interview with the artist, stated, “But even Bad Bunny isn’t absolved from objectifying women. He’s done it, too. So back to the original question then. Can you be a feminist and like reggaeton?” – the type of music the artist is known for. “Some related it to a criminal subculture, and it was impossible to ignore the lyrics that reduced women to objects of male fantasy,” stated NPR’s A. Martinez.

But his popularity grew.

Although he declined to include U.S. cities on his upcoming “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour, citing his opposition to ICE, he did accept a contract worth millions with the NFL to headline the halftime show.

Turning Point USA confirmed it will stream its “All American Halftime Show” on its platforms, such as Youtube, and partner networks, such as TBN. It described the show as a celebration of faith, family and freedom.

The NFL has not issued a formal statement about the controversy, but Commissioner Roger Goodell previously said the choice of Bad Bunny was “carefully thought through” and intended to create a “unified moment,” according to One Million Moms. Worship leader Cory Asbury and Christian influencer Jon Root have argued that Bad Bunny’s performance pushes divisive political messaging.

CBN quoted Samuel Short, a writer for the “Western Journal,” as saying that Bad Bunny’s performance “reflects the social and spiritual decline in America” and accused the NFL of alienating its conservative base. “Families and children watching at home, should they tune in, will now be subjected to the spectacle of a man in a dress,” he wrote.

Most of his songs are labeled as “explicit” on streaming platforms and regularly contain descriptions of sexual acts, profane lyrics, and drug use. Songs like “Soy Peor,” “Dákiti,” and “Callaíta” include foul language and themes that many listeners find controversial. His debut single “Diles” (“Tell Them”) was described as “an X-rated anthem outrageous enough to upset most audiences,” with misogynistic lyrics that openly describe sexual acts according to Vocal Media. Most lyrics could not be included in this article.

Turning Point USA announced on Monday that Kid Rock will headline its alternative show. “We’re approaching this show like David and Goliath,” he said. “Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it?”

Other performers at the All-American Halftime Show include Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

Many questioned Kid Rock being in the line-up of the alternative. His own musical history with profanity-laced lyrics leaves a lot to be desired for many.  If the performer leans into that, instead of providing a family-oriented performance, many may say nothing was gained. Though some say the artist may have agreed to keep it clean.

While Bad Bunny has a lot to say about ICE and police tactics and security at the US border with Mexico, the British media outlet BBC drew attention to the rapper’s Thursday press conference. Security at the event, which was organized by Apple Music, seemed to contradict his views on personal rights. The BBC reported that Journalists wanting to ask Bad Bunny questions were “required to pass through security scanners; and their bags were searched a second time as they waited for Bad Bunny to arrive.”

Supporters of Bad Bunny say the criticism is political and based on race. But the NFL has willingly stepped into the center of America’s culture wars and political debate over the last 10 years and has made apologies.

You can catch the Alternative Half-Time show

Where to Watch

The show will be available for free across multiple digital and television platforms.

Social Media & Digital Streams

• YouTube: On both the Turning Point USA and The Charlie Kirk Show channels.
• X (formerly Twitter): Live via the official TPUSA account.
• Rumble: Available on both the TPUSA and Charlie Kirk Rumble pages.
• Television & Network Partners

Several conservative and faith-based networks will broadcast the event live:

• DW+ (DailyWire+)
• TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network)
• Real America’s Voice
• OAN (One America News Network)
• CHARGE! (Digital network available on services like Samsung Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling)
• The National News Desk and NTD (New Tang Dynasty)

–Alan Goforth