Singer Brantley Gilbert Defends TPUSA’s Alternative Halftime: ‘It’s Been More Than 20 Years Since a Country Artist Has Been Asked to Play the Super Bowl Halftime Show’

Brantley Gilbert has responded to questions about his scheduled appearance at a conservative-alternative halftime show this Sunday. The event, staged by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), is timed to coincide with the official Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny. In a statement posted online, the country singer pushed back against the idea that his participation is a rebuttal to the Puerto Rican superstar. "My goal isn't to create division," Gilbert asserted, framing his choice as one rooted in a message of national togetherness.

The artist, recognized for hits like "Bottoms Up" and his outspoken support for gun rights, pointed to the lengthy absence of country music from the main Super Bowl halftime show as a key reason for accepting the offer. He correctly observed that it has been over two decades since a country act was the headline performer, with Shania Twain last holding the spot in 2003. "When this chance came, I thought about my children seeing me play at halftime for the biggest football game in America," he shared, describing the TPUSA event as a significant personal achievement. This perspective echoes a wider sentiment in Nashville that the NFL has consistently overlooked country artists for its marquee global entertainment slot, despite the genre's massive domestic fanbase. This perceived snub has fueled the creation of alternative events seeking to cater to that audience.

Gilbert's explanation was met with swift skepticism across social media. Many commentators contended that performing at a separate, politically-aligned function does not constitute a genuine Super Bowl experience. One user quipped, "By that logic, if I sing in my driveway during the game, I've also performed at the Super Bowl halftime show." Others viewed the alternative concert through a lens of ongoing cultural debates, with one response stating, "This 'counter-show' only exists because a segment of the country rejects the multiculturalism the actual halftime show often represents."

Despite the genre's long hiatus from the halftime show, country music has maintained a strong presence in other coveted Super Bowl musical roles, especially the national anthem performance. Notably, country artists recently completed a four-year run singing "The Star-Spangled Banner": Reba McEntire (2024), Chris Stapleton (2023), Mickey Guyton (2022), and a duet by Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan (2021). This consistent selection for the anthem—a moment of solemn patriotism watched by millions—indicates the NFL strategically engages the country audience for specific ceremonial purposes, even as it chooses pop or hip-hop for the broader halftime entertainment. As music industry analyst Dr. Lena Shaw observes, "The anthem slot is a prestigious platform that commands a huge audience. It represents a different kind of validation from the league, one centered on tradition and national identity rather than pure spectacle."

The TPUSA show will also feature country performers Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice, with Kid Rock topping the bill. The event is produced by Turning Point USA, a conservative student advocacy group founded by activist Charlie Kirk that has grown into a major political force. In his post, Gilbert also highlighted aspects of his personal identity, including being a recovering addict, a Christian, and a father from Georgia, ending with an appeal for cohesion. "How I treat others doesn't change based on our disagreements," he wrote. "I believe in 'United we stand, divided we fall,' and I pray our nation finds unity." However, by performing for an organization with a pronounced political agenda, Gilbert's appearance is almost certain to be interpreted as a cultural stance, underscoring how difficult it is to separate entertainment from politics in today's climate.