APPLETON, Wis. — The Turning Point USA All-American Halftime Show, positioned as a conservative alternative to the Super Bowl's main event, drew millions of viewers on Sunday, February 8, 2026, even as it sparked controversy over its viewership claims and cultural messaging.
Organized by the youth conservative group Turning Point USA, the livestreamed concert featured country and rock performers including Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett. It aired concurrently with Bad Bunny's headline performance at Super Bowl LX in New Orleans, where the Puerto Rican artist collaborated with Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and surprise guests like Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Alix Earle, and Karol G. While the official Super Bowl broadcast reportedly attracted 125 million viewers overall, Turning Point USA's event garnered significant attention on alternative platforms.
According to YouTube metrics reported on Monday, February 9, the Turning Point USA livestream had accumulated 19 million total views. At its peak during the Sunday night broadcast, the stream reportedly reached upwards of six million concurrent viewers across various channels. The show was distributed not only on YouTube but also on Rumble, Daily Wire+, Real America's Voice, TBN, CHARGE!, The National News Desk, NTD.com, and OAN News, though specific viewership figures from those platforms remain undisclosed.
Blake Neff, producer for The Charlie Kirk Show, shared detailed estimates on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the event. "TPUSA All-American Halftime Show," Neff posted. "Over 5 million simultaneous on TPUSA YT [YouTube]. Almost 1 million on Charlie Kirk’s YT. 200k on Magno News YT. 220k on TPUSA Rumble. 15k CK Rumble." These numbers suggest a robust audience for the alternative show, particularly on YouTube, where Turning Point USA maintains a strong presence.
The event served as a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the organization's co-founder, who was fatally shot at age 31 while speaking at Utah Valley University in September 2025. His widow, Erika Kirk, who became CEO of Turning Point USA following his death, emphasized the show's role in advancing the group's mission. In an interview with Fox News earlier that month, Erika Kirk, 37, said, "It’s powerful because what Charlie always loved and knew is that he wanted to be in the forefront of the culture war. He would be fist-pumping at this. He would be so stoked. And what better way to honor him than to just get in the middle of this and be able to offer an alternative to families."
Although fans hoped for her appearance, Erika Kirk did not attend the concert. Turning Point USA announced the All-American Halftime Show in October 2025, about a month after Bad Bunny's selection as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer drew criticism from some conservative circles for its perceived misalignment with traditional American values. The timing also followed closely on the heels of Charlie Kirk's tragic death, adding an emotional layer to the production.
Erika Kirk elaborated on the event's purpose during her Fox News appearance, framing it as a counterpoint to the official halftime show. "For us to be able to provide an alternative that is pro-America, that is just pro-everything, that’s not the opposite of what they’re putting out there," she said. "I don’t want to go into details and bash that because there is apparently an audience that wants that, but there’s a larger audience that wants ours." The hour-long livestream highlighted patriotic themes through its lineup of artists known for their support of conservative causes, contrasting sharply with the star-studded, Latin-infused spectacle at the Superdome.
Super Bowl LX itself was a viewership juggernaut, with the NFL's broadcast on CBS, Univision, and streaming services pulling in an estimated 125 million viewers, including those who tuned in specifically for Bad Bunny's performance. Produced by Apple Music, the halftime show featured high-energy collaborations and celebrity cameos, underscoring the event's global appeal. In comparison, Turning Point USA's show, while reaching millions, represented a fraction of that audience but marked a notable effort by the organization to carve out space in the cultural conversation.
Not all reactions were positive, however. Social media buzzed with criticism of the All-American Halftime Show, including from within conservative ranks. Candace Owens, a prominent commentator, questioned the legitimacy of the reported viewership figures in a post on X. She claimed that the five million concurrent viewers cited by Turning Point USA were inflated through paid advertising and influencer promotions. "The problem with people who have a lot of money they didn’t earn, is that they tend to have no idea how stuff actually works," Owens wrote. "We have an organization that scammed its views by paying platform advertisers, followed by influencers to pretend they broke records."
Us Weekly reached out to Turning Point USA for comment on Owens' allegations but did not receive an immediate response. Official viewership numbers for the All-American Halftime Show are still pending, as platforms like YouTube and Rumble typically release finalized metrics in the days following major events. Neff's estimates, while detailed, remain unofficial and could be subject to revision.
The controversy echoes broader tensions in the ongoing culture wars, where Turning Point USA has positioned itself as a defender of traditional values against what it sees as liberal dominance in entertainment. The group's announcement of the show came amid backlash to Bad Bunny's booking, which some critics argued sidelined American artists in favor of international stars. By offering an "All-American" alternative, Turning Point USA aimed to appeal to families seeking content aligned with their worldview, as Erika Kirk described.
Performances during the livestream included high-energy sets from Kid Rock, whose set reportedly opened with anthemic rock tunes, and Gabby Barrett, who closed with country ballads emphasizing faith and patriotism. Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice rounded out the bill with their signature blend of Southern rock and heartfelt lyrics. The production, streamed from an undisclosed location, incorporated visuals of American landmarks and flags, reinforcing the event's thematic focus.
Looking ahead, the success—or perceived success—of the All-American Halftime Show could influence Turning Point USA's future media ventures. The organization, founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery, has grown into a major player in conservative activism, with chapters on hundreds of college campuses. Erika Kirk's leadership since her husband's death has steered the group toward high-profile cultural interventions, and this event may serve as a model for similar initiatives.
As viewership data solidifies, the debate over the show's impact is likely to continue. Supporters hail it as a bold stand for American culture, while detractors, including Owens, decry it as manufactured hype. In a divided media landscape, events like this highlight the parallel universes of entertainment consumption, where alternatives to mainstream spectacles find dedicated audiences despite the odds.
Whether the 19 million views hold up under scrutiny or not, the Turning Point USA All-American Halftime Show has undeniably inserted itself into the national conversation, honoring Charlie Kirk's legacy while challenging the Super Bowl's cultural monopoly. For now, the full story of its reach remains unfolding, much like the broader narrative of conservatism's place in popular entertainment.