Country singer Brantley Gilbert has taken to social media to address the controversy surrounding the alternative halftime show hosted by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) this Sunday. He emphasized that his intention is not to be divisive, but rather to promote a sense of unity among Americans. Gilbert’s defense comes as his participation is framed as a protest against the NFL’s choice to feature Bad Bunny, a performer who sings entirely in Spanish, for the official Super Bowl halftime show.
In his posts on X, Instagram, and Threads, Gilbert highlighted the longstanding absence of country artists from the Super Bowl halftime lineup, noting that it has been over two decades since a country musician performed at the event. “It’s been more than 20 years since a country artist has been asked to play the Super Bowl halftime show,” he pointed out, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the country music community.
Gilbert expressed that performing at the TPUSA event is a dream realized, allowing him to imagine his children watching him on one of football’s grandest stages. “I was offered this opportunity and imagined my kids watching their daddy perform at halftime during the biggest game in American Football. Everything I do, I do for them,” he wrote.
Despite Gilbert’s hopeful message, his announcement received a mixed reception online. Critics described his performance as merely part of a “pretend halftime show,” arguing that it does not hold the same weight as performing during the actual Super Bowl. Comments from detractors pointed to the message of division, suggesting that an alternative show undermines the idea of unity he claims to support.
Historically, only two country artists have performed at the Super Bowl halftime: Shania Twain in 2003 and a collection of stars from the country genre in 1993, including the Judds and Travis Tritt. While country musicians have not headlined the halftime show, they have recently participated in other Super Bowl music roles, notably singing the national anthem. Gilbert in particular acknowledged this during his comments.
While some view the TPUSA show as a political statement, Gilbert reiterated his belief that it could foster unity rather than further division. He shared a personal creed, stating, “The way I treat people isn’t conditional based on what our differences may be. I believe ‘united we stand, divided we fall,’ and my prayer for our country is that we stand united.”
Gilbert is set to perform alongside fellow country artists Gabby Barrett and Lee Brice, as well as the ever-controversial Kid Rock, at the TPUSA event. He closed his statement by expressing gratitude for his fans and anticipation for the upcoming performance.
His latest album, “Tattoos,” debuted at No. 42 on the Billboard country albums chart in 2024, continuing a successful trajectory in a career that has seen him achieve multiple No. 1 singles from 2011 to 2019. Beyond his music, Gilbert is known for his advocacy for gun rights and holds a distinct place in the country music landscape, contributing to the ongoing conversation about representation and inclusion in significant cultural events.