Real reason Elon Musk's X didn't live stream Turning Point USA's halftime show
Millions watched, just not on X
Every year, millions of viewers tune in to the SuperBowl event filled with multimillion-dollar commercials, celebrity sightings, and, of course, the halftime show, which has evolved into a global entertainment event in its own right.
Crowds flooded into Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium, which saw the Seattle Seahawks triumph over the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, companies shelled out millions for just 30 seconds of airtime, including MrBeast's collab with Salesforce, giving his fans a chance to win $1 million.
Bad Bunny headlined the halftime performance alongside several A-list celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Ricky Martin, and others.
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Turning Point USA also announced it would host its own 'alternative' halftime show where Erika Kirk praised the initiative's work.
Founded by the late Charlie Kirk, the organisation was set to promote 'faith, family, and freedom' with performances from Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
Taking to X to share a video montage honouring her late husband, Kirk announced: "The @TPUSA All-American Halftime Show was so incredible. Charlie would’ve absolutely loved it. Thank you to the millions that tuned in. I’m so proud of our entire team, staff, and the artists who believed in the vision and mission KidRock brantleygilbert leebrice GabbyBarrett_."
But, despite veteran political consultant and pollster Frank Luntz claiming Turning Point USA's halftime show attracted 'more than five million' viewers, X wasn't among the platforms broadcasting it.
Elon Musk’s platform shared an update explaining that audiences would need to watch the All-American Halftime Show elsewhere.
On 9 February 9, TPUSA posted on the social media platform: “Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to stream The All-American Halftime Show on X.
"Head on over to our YouTube channel tonight around 8PM ET to watch the full show.”
According to USA Today, Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, previously stated: “These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can’t wait to watch the incredible show they’re about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too”.
Bad Bunny made music history during his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, becoming the first Hispanic solo artist to headline one of the world's biggest stages. However, his halftime selection reportedly triggered backlash among some conservatives.
Speaking to the New York Post, President Donald Trump criticised the official halftime performers: “I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”
The 'All-American Halftime Show' received over 6.1 million views on Turning Point USA's YouTube channel.