The Seattle Seahawks may have emerged victorious in Super Bowl LX, but the matchup between Seattle and New England was not the only aspect of the night that divided viewers. A separate debate unfolded online over which halftime show audiences should watch, with competing broadcasts trending across multiple social media platforms.
The controversy followed the NFL’s announcement that Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny would headline the official Super Bowl halftime show. Shortly after the announcement, Turning Point USA, the conservative organization founded by activist Charlie Kirk, promoted an alternative broadcast, saying its programming would emphasize “faith, family, and freedom.”
Bad Bunny, who has been openly critical of former President Donald Trump and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, has previously used major platforms—including the Grammy Awards—to voice his political views. His selection by the NFL quickly sparked backlash among conservative commentators and political figures.
As expected, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was delivered primarily in Spanish. Meanwhile, Turning Point USA’s alternative show drew significant attention online, amassing nearly 20 million views on YouTube. An estimated 130 million viewers were expected to watch the Super Bowl overall.
President Trump criticized Bad Bunny’s performance in a post on Truth Social, calling the halftime show “an affront” to the country.
“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching,” Trump wrote.
While the alternative broadcast gained traction, it was not without criticism. Some viewers argued that the featured performers, including Kid Rock, were also controversial choices due to past lyrics and public statements.
