In response to last night’s Super Bowl, with the halftime show being performed by Bad Bunny, Turning Point USA hosted its own ‘rival’ show.
The MAGA-friendly performance was purported to be ‘All-American’, and was streamed at the same time as the Puerto Rican star’s appearance.
And it turns out that a shocking amount of people tuned into the show in comparison with the Super Bowl’s 120 million viewership.
Turning Point USA’s line-up included country musicians Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett, and Brantley Gilbert, before a headline performance from Kid Rock, who appeared to mime throughout his act.
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As of writing, the stream has been up for 12 hours and has just over 19 million views.
The organization’s new CEO, Erika Kirk, took to social media to share her reactions to the event.
On X, formerly Twitter, she said: “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_ . It’s okay to love Jesus and your country.
“Ultimately, this is what it’s all about, making Heaven crowded.…I love you Charlie baby, this is all for you.”
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, took to the stage at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but despite being one of the most popular global artists currently, the singer has faced backlash since it was announced he would be performing at the event.
The negativity has largely come from Conservatives, especially since Bad Bunny has previously stated he does not perform in English regardless of the occasion.
One outspoken naysayer of the performance was YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul who took to social media to write: “Purposefully turning off the halftime show. Let’s rally together and show big corporations they can’t just do whatever they want without consequences. (which equals viewership for them) You are their benefit. Realize you have power.
“Turn off this halftime. A fake American citizen performing who publicly hates America. I cannot support that.”
Many people pointed out the fact that Bad Bunny is an American citizen as Puerto Rico is an American territory.
Jake Paul also notably has property in Puerto Rico, having moved there in 2021 alongside his brother.
Surprisingly, one of the people to call out Jake Paul was his brother, Logan Paul, who took to X to denounce his comments.
He wrote: “I love my brother but I don’t agree with this. Puerto Ricans are Americans & I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.”